P's link to violence confirmed

By BRIDGET CARTER

Many methamphetamine and Ecstasy users are young, white men from Auckland.

Some buy drugs from family members, and about half contact a dealer through a text message or mobile phone.

They spend about $350 each time they buy drugs.

Many of these young men are well educated and well paid.

About one in 10 men aged between 18 and 29 have used the drug.

These are the findings of a Massey University study on the socio-economic impact of amphetamine-type stimulants, including "P", pure amphetamine.

The survey also confirms a police belief that methamphetamine is linked to violent crime.

The research project was headed by Dr Chris Wilkins and commissioned by the police.

It showed that almost one in 10 people arrested had used an amphetamine-based drug just before his or her offending.

Many said the drug made them become angry.

Superintendent Ted Cox of Auckland said that before the study, police had relied on anecdotal evidence linking amphetamine drugs with violent crime.

Now they had solid evidence.

It matched what officers were seeing on the streets and highlighted the concern about the effect the drugs were having on young people.

Methamphetamine was now being sold in smaller packs and at lower prices, a sign that it was being aimed at a younger market.

Slightly more New Zealanders than Australians aged between 15 and 19 used amphetamine drugs, the researchers found, and Mr Cox said that was disturbing.

The information was collected from frequent methamphetamine users in Auckland, drug enforcement officers and drug treatment workers.

It also drew from drug treatment statistics and a pilot study of arrested people at the Papakura police station.

The findings

* 100,000 New Zealanders tried amphetamine drugs in the past year. One-third of them were regular users.

* Nearly half the users had mental health problems and amphetamines increased their psychological problems.

* One-third of frequent methamphetamine users had sold the drugs.

* One-fifth of frequent users have problems controlling their methamphetamine use.