Substance Abuse in Rural America Stimulant abuse (including
methamphetamine) among the unemployed in rural America is seven
times that of the urban unemployed, according to Substance Abuse
in Rural and Small Town America, a report recently released by
the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire. The
report notes that "Rates for meth use were comparable for rural
and urban America until 2003, when differences seemed to
emerge.” Another trend that emerged is the high rates of alcohol
abuse and illicit drug use; this trend is particularly
problematic among male youth. The report highlights the critical
need for alcohol abuse treatment, especially among youth, and
for illicit drug interventions to consider the special
circumstances in rural America, such as “wide open space,
limited funds, and a tradition of 'taking care of their own.’”
The report’s findings are based on the National Survey on Drug
Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative survey
sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental H