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Drug Use Down Among People Arrested in San Diego County

The percentage of adult arrestees who tested positive for illegal drugs declined in San Diego County last year. A new report from the San Diego Association of Governments reveals the biggest drop was

Drug Use Down Among People Arrested in San Diego County

The percentage of adult arrestees who tested positive for illegal drugs declined in San Diego County last year. A new report from the San Diego Association of Governments reveals the biggest drop was in the use of methamphetamine. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The SANDAG report says the percentage of males testing positive for meth fell to 24 percent, compared to 36 percent in 2006. The percentage of females with meth in their system fell by three percent.

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SANDAG's Dr. Cynthia Burke says new laws that make it tougher to get the chemicals to make meth are a factor.

Dr. Cynthia Burke: And I also think that some of our prevention messages are getting out. Some of the stigmas that weren't as strong before are stronger now in terms of, what meth use does, how it affects you, how it can take over your life, and I think people are getting that message.

More than one out three arrestees said they had previously received drug treatment, but only about half said they had completed it.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.