SAN DIEGO—More than half of all adults arrested in the San Diego region in 2022 tested positive for methamphetamine, according to a report released on June 23 by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
According to the findings, the positive rate of meth use in 2022 was 55 percent for female arrestees and 52 percent for males. The report also found that 77 percent of males and 75 percent of females surveyed tested positive for at least one illicit substance—a drop from the 22-year high set in 2021 for males, 83 percent, but a sharp increase from the second-lowest rate in 2021 for females, 60 percent.
“An important characteristic of this report is looking at the underlying factors and needs these arrestees have that can help prevent re-arrests,” said SANDAG Principal Criminal Justice Researcher Octavio Rodriguez. “Continuing efforts to gather information on mental health issues, housing status, and employment is crucial to further understand how these may impact one’s likelihood to struggle with substance use.”…