AIM: To examine arrest rates and factors predictive of arrest among dependent methamphetamine users.

METHOD: A cross sectional survey of 400 methamphetamine treatment entrants from Sydney and Brisbane. The number of arrests in the past year was used to determine arrest rates, and a multivariate Poisson regression model was used to determine the incidence risk ratios for factors predictive of arrest rate.

RESULTS: The rate of arrests per person year in this sample was 1.53 (95% CI 1.4-1.7). Arrest rate was independently predicted by early onset of drug use, more frequent methamphetamine use, smoking methamphetamine, heroin use, being male, unemployed, having a prison history, and having comorbid psychiatric disorders. Daily alcohol use and cocaine use were associated with comparatively lower arrest rates.

CONCLUSION: Methamphetamine arrests over-represent male methamphetamine users who use the drug heavily, use heroin, and who have mental health problems. This population have many risk factors for arrest besides their methamphetamine use.