Understanding The Rise Of Methamphetamine Use And Its Consequences In The U.S.

Methamphetamine is one of the primary culprits contributing to overdose deaths in the U.S. involving stimulants other than cocaine. This alarming trend has raised many questions about the state of drug use in America today. As we delve into the statistics and implications of methamphetamine use, we uncover a troubling narrative that reveals the extent of the issue.

According to data gathered by the World Population Review from 2021, California has the highest number of meth users in the country, with 418,000 people. Following closely is Texas, with 197,000 users, while Tennessee, Florida, and New York complete the top five states. This widespread drug use raises serious concerns about public health and safety.

In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 36,251 people died from overdosing on psychostimulants, marking a slight increase from the previous year's 35,550 deaths. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, remain the leading cause of drug-related fatalities, with an estimated 74,702 overdoses occurring in the same year. As Bryce Pardo, a researcher at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, highlights, meth is "cheaper and purer" and readily available, contributing to its growing demand.

Newsweek has created a map to illustrate the U.S. states with the highest number of adult meth users. This visual representation underscores the geographical spread of meth use, showing how it is no longer confined to specific regions but is penetrating various parts of the country.

As methamphetamine use increases, we are witnessing a shift in the drug landscape. Traditionally, meth was mostly produced domestically using simpler methods, but now transnational drug trafficking organizations have adopted more sophisticated manufacturing processes. This has resulted in meth that is not only cheaper and purer but also more potent, leading to heightened dangers for users.

The implications of methamphetamine use extend beyond individual health risks. It poses a significant threat to communities, with increasing rates of addiction, crime, and health issues related to drug use. According to Catherine Strawn, a spokesperson for the CDC, "Overdoses are the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States," highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies to combat this crisis.

With a substantial flow of drugs entering the country from Mexico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seized over 123,573 pounds of meth at the southern border. This significant drug flow correlates with the high number of users in border states like California and Texas, suggesting a strong link between drug trafficking and local drug use.

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that significantly impacts the central nervous system. Originally developed in the early 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, it was used in decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Now classified as a Schedule II stimulant by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, it is only available through a non-refillable prescription, primarily for ADHD management and short-term weight loss. However, due to its high potential for misuse, it is rarely prescribed in practice.

The long-term effects of meth use can be devastating, including increased risks of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other infectious diseases. Users may experience severe dental problems, extreme weight loss, anxiety, memory loss, paranoia, violent behavior, and hallucinations. In 2021 alone, 32,537 people died from overdoses involving psychostimulants, according to CDC data.

In recent years, law enforcement has ramped up efforts to combat the meth epidemic. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, CBP officers seized nearly 549,000 pounds of illicit substances, with methamphetamine being the second most common drug seized, totaling 140,000 pounds. The ongoing fight against meth is critical, as approximately 2.5 million people aged 12 and older reported using methamphetamine in the U.S., according to a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) study.

Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com