Methamphetamine in Michigan

Meth Situation and Prevalence

In 2008, Michigan authorities saw a noticeable increase in lab, chemical or equipment methamphetamine seizures. However, small “Mom and Pop” and “One Pot” operators continue to dominate the manufacturing of methamphetamine in small one to two ounce quantities for personal use and for distribution at the local level.  The primary producers of methamphetamine are Caucasian and Hispanic males.  (Drug Enforcement Administration, Michigan State Factsheet, 2009)

According to 2004-2007 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 0.35% of persons aged 12 or older in Michigan reported using methamphetamine within the past year. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007)

Results of a 2007 survey of Michigan students show that approximately 3.5% of 9th graders, 4.1% of 10th graders, 3.6% of 11th graders, and 4.6% of 12th graders reported using methamphetamine at least once during their lifetimes. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth Online: Comprehensive Results, 2008)

Drug Endangered Children

According to the El Paso Intelligence Center’s Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, preliminary data show that there were 142 children affected by and 2 children injured at methamphetamine laboratories in Michigan during 2008.  There were 47 children affected by and 1 child killed at methamphetamine labs in the state during 2007. (Source: El Paso Intelligence Center, Children Affected Summary, report run on February 3, 2009)

Enforcement

There were 206 state and local arrests for the sale/manufacturing of synthetic narcotics (includes methamphetamine) and 797 state and local arrests for the possession of synthetic narcotics in Michigan during 2007. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Arrests by State, 2007)

During 2008, Federal agencies seized 5.2 kilograms of methamphetamine in Michigan. (Drug Enforcement Administration, Michigan State Factsheet, 2009)

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, there were 329 methamphetamine lab incidents in Michigan during 2008. This includes all meth incidents, including labs, dumpsites, and/or chemical and glassware seizures. (Drug Enforcement Administration, Maps of Methamphetamine Lab Incidents)

Number of Meth Lab Incidents, Michigan, 1999-2008

Year	# of Incidents	Year	# of Incidents
1999	10	2004	295
2000	21	2005	341
2001	122	2006	256
2002	225	2007	172
2003	267	2008	329

During FY 2008, 43.5% of the Federally-sentenced defendants in Michigan had committed a drug offense. Approximately 2.5% of these drug cases involved methamphetamine. (U.S. Sentencing Commission, Statistical Information Packet: Fiscal Year 2008 State of Michigan)

Prevention

Michigan Meth Watch is a program sponsored by the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy and Department of Community Health designed to help limit the theft and suspicious sales of pseudoephedrine products, as well as other common household products used in the unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine in small, toxic labs. A key goal of this program is to promote cooperation between retailers and law enforcement to prevent the diversion of legitimate products for illegal use.

On Michigan’s Methamphetamine Resource Site there are resources from the state of Michigan and from other organizations, meth lab cleanup information, children’s meth issues, as well as links regarding law enforcement and response.

Treatment

According to data provided to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, during 2007, there were 444 admissions to treatment in Michigan in which amphetamines were the primary substance of abuse. The admissions represented 0.7% of the total drug and alcohol admissions to treatment in the state. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, State Treatment Data, report run on May 15, 2009)

For information about treatment programs in Michigan, please visit the Substance Abuse Local Service Providers site or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Facility Locator service at 800-662-HELP (4357). You can also conduct a search for programs online using SAMHSA’s Treatment Facility Locator Web site.

If you would like to contact the substance abuse agency in the state, please see SAMHSA’s State Substance Abuse Agencies page, which contains links to and contact information for agencies within each state.

Search

Conduct a search of the MethResources database for additional information about methamphetamine in the state.