Meth Addiction on the Rise
The New Meth Addiction Epidemic
Meth addiction and related deaths are on the rise, concerning many experts that a deadly new meth epidemic is quickly spreading across the United States.
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a highly addictive and synthetic stimulant that provides a powerful and long-lasting high.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2021, an estimated 2.5 million people reported using meth in the past 12 months. It remains one of the most used stimulant drugs in the world.
Studies Show Meth Use on the Rise
Recent studies show that meth use is rising nationwide. Cheaper and more powerful forms of meth are now easily accessible, fostering alarming trends:
- Overdose deaths involving meth almost tripled between 2015 and 2019 in people 18 to 64, according to the National Institutes of Health.
- According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, from 2015 to 2019:
- Arrests for meth possession increased 59%
- The number of people in the U.S. with a methamphetamine-related substance use disorder (SUD) jumped 37%
- Overdose deaths involving meth more than doubled
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that in 16 states, at least 1 in 100 adults had used meth in the past year.
Meth comprises readily available ingredients and can be produced in small spaces, allowing the drug to be easily distributed. This widespread accessibility has made it more popular among certain groups and rural areas than other illicit drugs.
Its popularity is also due to many other factors, including:
- Low cost: Compared to other drugs, meth is often cheaper.
- Increased energy and focus: Meth can provide users with increased energy, focus, and productivity, making it appealing as a performance enhancer.
- Opioid epidemic: Some individuals addicted to prescription opioids may turn to meth as a cheaper alternative.
The Dangerous Effects of Meth
Meth is a hazardous drug with severe physical and mental health consequences, including addiction, psychosis, and even death.
According to NIDA, people who use methamphetamine long-term may exhibit symptoms that can include significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. In addition to the neurological and behavioral consequences of methamphetamine misuse, long-term users also suffer physical effects, including weight loss, severe tooth decay and tooth loss, and skin sores.
Meth use can also lead to social problems like crime, violence, and family disruption.
With these dangerous effects in mind, it is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction.
Treatment for Meth Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine use, it is important to seek help at an addiction treatment and recovery center, such as Valley Hope. Many effective treatments are available that directly address meth addiction and related physical and mental affects, including medical detox, cognitive behavioral therapies, residential treatment, counseling, and support groups.
The local clinical admissions team at Valley Hope can help you determine if you or someone you care about requires clinical treatment for methamphetamine addiction.
Valley Hope provides a full continuum of substance abuse treatment through 14 programs across six states, including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Our programs provide compassionate, evidenced-based therapies, medical detox services, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and virtual treatment programs. For immediate help 24/7, call your Local Admissions Team at (800) 544-5101.