New research suggests that children and adolescents who smoke, abuse alcohol or are sexually active are at a higher risk for methamphetamine use, Science Daily reported Oct. 29.

Researchers in Canada analyzed 12 different medical studies and concluded that the risk factors associated with methamphetamine use among putatively low-risk children (those who didn't take other drugs) included a history of engaging in behaviors such as sexual activity, alcohol consumption and smoking. Homosexuals and bisexuals in this cohort also were at elevated risk, the study found.

For high-risk children (previous drug users or those who attended juvenile detention centers), growing up in an unstable family environment and having received treatment for psychiatric conditions were considered risk factors. Being female was also a risk factor among this group.

The study was published Oct. 28, 2008 in the journal BMC Pediatrics.