**Crystal Meth Remains the Most Widely Used Drug in Tijuana According to Local Authorities**
Tijuana – The pervasive issue of crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “crystal,” remains a significant challenge in Tijuana. Despite its notoriety, updated data on substance use in the city is lacking, according to Florina Righetti Rojo, the director of the Municipal Institute Against Addictions (Imcad).
During the recent establishment of the Municipal Committee Against Addictions (Comca), Righetti Rojo highlighted that fentanyl also contributes to severe overdose problems. The last substantial data on drug consumption in Tijuana came from the 2016-2017 National Survey on Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use. Hence, one of the administration’s critical strategies will involve research to comprehend the current landscape.
In an effort to gather updated insights, Imcad’s prevention department has initiated surveys in schools across the city. These surveys aim to gather data on the most commonly used substances and the age at which consumption begins. Past surveys indicated that drug use among minors, notably marijuana and alcohol, starts as early as eight years old, often influenced by family environments and lack of support systems.
To tackle these issues, Comca plans to focus on six key strategies: prevention, treatment, social reintegration, harm reduction, regulation, and research. The newly formed committee is working alongside various departments and community members to create a cohesive and comprehensive approach.
**Secondary Article: Fentanyl Consumption Nearly Triples in Two Years**
According to the Health Secretariat of Baja California, the consumption of fentanyl in the region has almost tripled in the past two years. This alarming increase poses significant public health challenges, compounding the existing problems related to other substances such as crystal meth.
Florina Righetti Rojo highlighted that despite the growing threat of fentanyl, robust and updated data is still necessary to guide effective intervention tactics. The latest National Survey on Mental Health and Addictions, conducted by the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama), concluded in May, but the findings are yet to be released.
The report is anticipated to provide critical insights and potentially inform further strategies for both understanding and managing the rising bedrock of addiction issues, including the fearsome rise in fentanyl-related cases. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and community efforts, Tijuana’s authorities hope to mitigate these drug epidemics’ impact.