Statistics & Facts About Meth Abuse & the Long-Term Health Effects

Methamphetamines pose a serious public health problem in many regions of the country, a threat that only continues to increase as the powerful, highly-addictive stimulant becomes more widely available. In Florida, meth is often manufactured in rural parts of the state, and it is becoming increasingly more available and abused in suburban and metropolitan areas as well.

If you or a loved one is among those suffering from this clinical disorder, it’s important to know the facts about meth addiction, along with the long-term health consequences of this deadly, life-altering drug, as well as the treatment options.

Meth Facts & Statistics

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and alters dopamine levels in the brain. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed in pill form, or dissolved in water or alcohol and injected. The intense high produced by the drug comes on rapidly and fades quickly, leading to a “binge and crash” pattern that can last for several days.

Here are some significant facts about meth abuse that you need to know:

• Methamphetamine overdose deaths have risen significantly since 2015, from 5,716 to 32,537 in 2021
• 2.5 million people aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in 2021
• An estimated 0.5% of high school seniors reported using the drug in the past 12 months
• Roughly 0.6% of the population, or about 1.6 million people, have methamphetamine use disorder

Meanwhile, in Florida:

• There were nearly 1,000 deaths caused by meth in 2021
• Over 600 domestic lab seizures were reported in 2011 alone
• Admissions for meth addiction treatment in Florida hit a record high of 3,000 in 2016, a number that has since risen considerably

How Addictive Is Meth?

Methamphetamines are incredibly addictive. Because of the quick-acting nature of the drug and the boost of energy and dopamine it gives users—along with its relative cheapness—casual meth use can often spiral into meth abuse and addiction, leading to numerous negative health effects in both the short and long term.

The Effects of Methamphetamines on the Brain & Body

   Short-Term Health Effects of Meth Use

• Rise in body temperature and blood pressure
• An irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Loss of appetite and/or interest in food
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Inability to sleep and an increase in physical activity

Long-Term Health Effects of Methamphetamine

• Changes in the brain’s structure and function
• Severe dental issues, including tooth loss and decay (i.e. “meth mouth)
•  Increase in anxiety and depression
• Cognitive problems like confusion, paranoia, and distractibility
•  Emotional issues, including aggressive/violent outbursts
•  Intense skin itching that causes sores from the scratching
• Extreme and unhealthy weight loss
• Movement, motor, and coordination problems
• Visual and auditory hallucinations

Meth Addiction Treatment

How To Treat Meth Addiction

• Medical Detoxification – Medical detoxification centers provide round-the-clock medical, psychiatric, nursing, and support staff over the course of the 7-10 day detoxification process.
• Inpatient Treatment – Finding a licensed inpatient facility, one that provides a safe, comfortable space to meet with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial in helping to integrate back into everyday life.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – One of the most effective treatments for meth abuse and addiction has shown to be cognitive-behavioral therapy—a type of psychotherapy that teaches coping skills and emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Support Groups – When going through meth addiction treatment, one of the keys to maintaining recovery is to have a solid network of friends, family, and community members, including groups like Crystal Meth Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

How To Get a Meth Addict to Rehab

If you have a loved one suffering from methamphetamine use disorder and want to get them into rehab, the first step is to start the conversation:

• Schedule a Talk – Find a good time and comfortable place for both of you to talk. Make sure that they are sober and attentive during the chat.
• Make a Plan – To avoid being derailed or distracted from your goal, it’s important to come up with a plan for calmly conveying your concerns during the conversation. Be sure to plan responses for their likely reactions.
• Be Direct and Listen – Make sure you are firm and direct in your plea for them to enter treatment, but also don’t forget to ask questions and to listen to their answers genuinely.

Getting Help For Meth Addiction

South Beach Detox is a dual-diagnostic treatment center that’s experienced in meth addiction treatment. Our state-of-the-art rehab facility is located within a medical complex that features a full-service hospital, and we offer the most comprehensive acute care medical detoxification and residential counseling programs in South Florida.

If you or your loved one is ready to take the first toward recovery, reach out to South Beach Detox to schedule your free consultation today.