Methamphetamine has emerged as a major public health issue in the United States, with its use and associated harms showing a concerning upward trend. In 2024, an estimated 2.5 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using methamphetamine in the past year, with the highest concentrations found in California, Texas, and other large urban centers (Psychology Today).
This growing epidemic is reflected in the nation's overdose crisis: in 2023, drug overdoses resulted in more than 105,000 deaths, with stimulant-related fatalities, including methamphetamine overdoses, continuing to rise (CDC). In particular, the combination of meth and fentanyl has become increasingly deadly, with more individuals engaging in “speedballing,” which heightens the risk of fatal overdoses (Psychology Today).
Speedballing refers to the practice of combining two or more drugs, typically a stimulant (such as methamphetamine or cocaine) and a depressant (like heroin or fentanyl). The goal of speedballing is to counterbalance the effects of the two drugs: the stimulant produces a rush of energy and euphoria, while the depressant helps calm down or mitigate the overstimulation. This combination can create an intense, but highly dangerous experience.
While methamphetamine is often used as the stimulant in speedballing, it can also involve other stimulants like cocaine. The risks of speedballing are significant, particularly because the stimulant can mask the sedative effects of the depressant, leading individuals to consume a higher dose of one or both drugs than they normally would. This increases the risk of overdose, particularly with substances like fentanyl, which can be fatal even in small amounts.
Methamphetamine, which is primarily manufactured by cartels in Mexico, continues to flood the U.S. market. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized over 13,000 kilograms of meth in 2023, a staggering increase from previous years, underscoring the widespread availability of the drug (DEA).
The meth produced is increasingly potent, further escalating the risks associated with its use. Health experts warn of the devastating effects methamphetamine has on users, including cardiovascular problems, neurological damage, and mental health issues like anxiety and psychosis (CDC).
In response to this growing crisis, the U.S. has ramped up efforts to combat methamphetamine use, with treatment programs, harm reduction initiatives, and law enforcement strategies aimed at curbing its spread. However, the increasing prevalence of polysubstance use, particularly methamphetamine combined with opioids like fentanyl, has made addressing the crisis even more complex. The need for comprehensive, multifaceted strategies is clearer than ever as the nation grapples with the health, social, and economic costs of methamphetamine abuse (Pew Trusts).