Methamphetamine: Here we go again?

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.

► The most current data on methamphetamine supply and demand are presented. ► Decrease in use following a precursor ban has been followed by later increases. ► Treatment admissions increased, then decreased, and now are increasing again. ► The drug is a chronic problem with its own geographic patterns and user groups. ► There is a continuing need for methamphetamine treatment capacity.