Iowa’s drug control expert says methamphetamine trafficking and use on the rise

DES MOINES – Challenges related to opioid misuse continue growing, but so too does the use of methamphetamine, according to the newly released 2018 Iowa Drug Control Strategy, which also cites marijuana among the most common addictive substances threatening the health and safety of Iowans. The annual report, submitted to Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature, outlines a comprehensive approach to effective substance abuse prevention, substance use disorder treatment and drug enforcement.

“Similar to the DEA’s recent national drug threat assessment, new state data illustrate a widening impact of the opioid epidemic in Iowa, along with more methamphetamine trafficking and use,” said Steve Lukan, Director of the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “Given the prevalence of these and other addictive drugs, many of which are increasing in potency, we must redouble efforts to prevent all forms of substance abuse by younger and older Iowans alike.”

“Those who produce and sell illicit opioids, meth, and marijuana concentrates are making them cheaper and more powerful for profit,” said Lukan. “Unfortunately, it also makes already problematic drugs even more dangerous for users, and in the case of opioids more lethal.”

The report highlights accomplishments and challenges. Here are a few key indicators:

Iowa maintains one of the lowest overall rates of illegal drug use in the U.S. (6.27%), below the national average (9.77%) and second only to South Dakota (5.82%);
11^th graders’ self-reported current use of alcohol and tobacco continued declining last year, and has been cut in half over the last 14 years (21% and 10% respectively in 2016 vs. 43% and 23% in 2002). Current marijuana use among 11^th graders continued a more gradual decline (10% in 2016 vs. 15% in 2002), as did non-medical use of prescription medications (4% in 2016 vs. 7% in 2005). Methamphetamine use among youth remains low (1%), as does the use of other substances. Slightly more 11^th graders reported current use of electronic cigarettes vs. tobacco cigarettes in 2016 (11% e-cigarettes vs. 10% tobacco cigarettes);
Meth labs are becoming relatively rare, with 85 reported last year and reports this year on pace to total fewer than 50 (vs. 1,500 in 2004), which would be the lowest level since 1996;
Following actions to make the life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone more accessible, its use continues increasing statewide among first responders, family members and friends;
The number of physicians approved to prescribe Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to Iowans addicted to opioids has grown to 51, and expansion efforts continue;
The number of local prescription drug Take Back receptacles now available year-round for Iowans to safely dispose of leftover pain relievers and other medicines has increased three-fold over the last two years to 191, including at least one site in every county;
One in five Iowa adults was classified as a binge drinker in 2016, exceeding the national average (21.2% Iowa vs. 16.9% U.S.);
Alcohol and drug-related traffic fatalities continued rising last year, with fatal crashes involving drugs or drugs and alcohol combined hitting an all-time high (84 in 2016 vs. the previous high of 72 in 2005). Fatal crashes involving alcohol only reached a nine-year high in 2016 (107 vs. 111 in 2007);
Alcohol and drug-related hospital emergency department admissions, including for marijuana and opioids, continued an upward trend in 2016;
Of the 46,429 substance use disorder treatment admissions last year (FY 2017), those citing methamphetamine as their primary substance reached an all-time high level of nearly one in five (19.8%). Though it continues to decline in prevalence, alcohol easily remains the most cited substance by those in treatment (45.2%), followed by marijuana (25.3%), meth, and others. Heroin was cited as a primary substance by 2.5% of admissions, while 6.2% cited other substances including prescription drugs;
As law enforcement officers reported seizing relatively large and pure shipments of smuggled methamphetamine, meth-related prison admissions last year reached a level not seen since the height of meth lab activity 12 years ago (586 in FY 2017 vs. 702 in 2005), fueling an overall increase in drug-related prison admissions for a third straight year (902 in 2016 vs. 942 in 2014);
One fourth of 11^th graders perceive no risk in smoking marijuana, and more than three-fourths (76%) of juveniles in substance use disorder treatment last year cited marijuana as their primary substance. While law enforcement seized smaller amounts of marijuana, a significant share comes in various product forms from other U.S. states, and at higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency levels; and
Overdose deaths caused primarily by opioids totaled 86 in 2016 (70 prescription and 16 heroin), while opioid-related overdose deaths rose to an all-time high of 180. Meanwhile, the number of criminal cases involving illicit opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl analogs, other synthetic opioids and combinations), once nearly non-existent, has grown approximately six-fold in three years.

“As the data suggests, a comprehensive response is required to effectively address all forms of substance abuse impacting not only young Iowans, but adults too,” said Lukan. “The State’s Drug Control Strategy provides a framework for working together to reduce risks and strengthen resiliencies to achieve the quality of life valued by all Iowans.”

“Improper drug use is a preventable behavior, drug addiction is a treatable disease, and drug trafficking is a public safety threat,” said Lukan. “From talking with children about the dangers of drugs, to properly storing and disposing of prescription medicines, to helping a loved one in need of help to treat an addiction, all of us have an important role in reducing substance abuse in Iowa.”

The 2018 Iowa Drug Control Strategy captures trends and prioritizes responses, including evidence-based and promising approaches for reducing substance abuse in Iowa. The report also sets three goals as indicators of future progress: (1) Reduce the number of Iowans who die from prescription and illicit opioid overdose; (2) Reduce the number of 11^th graders who are current users of drugs and alcohol; and (3) Improve the number of Iowans who are employed post treatment.

The 2018 Iowa Drug Control Strategy was developed in coordination with Iowa’s Drug Policy Advisory Council and others. The complete annual report is available at https://odcp.iowa.gov.