Methamphetamine: here we go again?

Abstract

Following more than two decades of generally increasing trends in the use and abuse of methamphetamine in certain parts of the country, prevalence indicators for the drug began to decrease in the mid-2000's-but was this decrease signaling the end of the "meth problem"? This paper has compiled historical and recent data from supply and demand indicators to provide a broader context within which to consider the changes in trends over the past half decade. Data suggest supply-side accommodation to changes in precursor chemical restrictions, with prevalence indicators beginning to attenuate in the mid-2000's and then increasing again by 2009-2010. Results support the need for continuing attention to control and interdiction efforts appropriate to the changing supply context and to continuing prevention efforts and increased number of treatment programs.

Figure 1

Number of methamphetamine clandestine laboratory incidents and percentage of all substances identified that were methamphetamine in the U.S.: National Clandestine Laboratory Database and National Forensic Laboratory Information System 1999–2009

Figure 2

All domestic methamphetamine purchases: STRIDE data 2006–2010

Figure 3

Percentages reporting lifetime use of stimulants in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health: 1979–1994 and National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: 1994–2009

Figure 4

Past year initiation of methamphetamine use and past month use: NSDUH 2002–2009

Figure 5

Primary methamphetamine/amphetamine admissions to substance abuse treatment reported to TEDS: National and selected states, 2000–2010