What are the trends for methamphetamine use disorder and/or stimulant use disorder in the united sta
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Trends in Methamphetamine and Stimulant Use Disorder in the United States
Increasing Methamphetamine Use and Associated Harms
Methamphetamine use in the United States has shown a concerning upward trend in recent years. From 2015 to 2019, methamphetamine use increased by 43%, with frequent use rising by 66% during the same period. This rise in use has been accompanied by a significant increase in overdose deaths involving methamphetamine, which surged by 180%. The prevalence of methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) has also escalated, particularly among individuals with lower educational attainment, lower income, and those without insurance .
Demographic and Regional Variations
Methamphetamine use is not uniformly distributed across the population. Higher rates of use have been observed among men, individuals aged 26-34, 35-49, and those over 50 years old. Additionally, methamphetamine use is more prevalent among people with lower educational levels and those living in small metro and non-metro counties. Regional disparities are also evident, with the Western United States experiencing the highest prevalence of methamphetamine use.
Polysubstance Use and Methamphetamine
A significant trend is the rising co-use of methamphetamine with other substances, particularly opioids. From 2011 to 2017, the concomitant use of methamphetamine and opioids doubled. This trend is particularly pronounced among individuals with opioid use disorder, where methamphetamine use has increased markedly . The combination of methamphetamine and opioids is often used to achieve a synergistic high or to balance the effects of opioids.
Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants
The nonmedical use of prescription stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, has also been a growing concern. From 2006 to 2016, the use of amphetamine increased 2.5-fold, while methylphenidate use peaked in 2012 before showing a modest decline. Nonmedical use is particularly prevalent among youth aged 12-17 and young adults aged 12-25. This misuse is not confined to metropolitan areas, indicating a widespread issue.
Treatment and Prevention Challenges
Despite the increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use and MUD, treatment options remain limited. Many individuals engaged in substance use treatment for opioids are undertreated for methamphetamine use disorder. There is a need for greater access to evidence-based treatments, such as contingency management, and harm reduction resources. Additionally, the lack of effective medications for methamphetamine use disorder highlights the need for further research and development in this area.
Conclusion
The trends in methamphetamine and stimulant use disorder in the United States indicate a growing public health crisis. The increase in methamphetamine use, particularly among those with opioid use disorder, and the widespread nonmedical use of prescription stimulants, underscore the need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including enhanced public health and safety collaborations, expanded access to treatment, and targeted interventions for high-risk populations.
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