GITNUXREPORT 2025

Amphetamine Statistics

Global amphetamine use risks rising, addiction, overdose, and health complications.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The rise in methamphetamine use contributed to a 15% increase in overdose deaths involving stimulants in the U.S. from 2019 to 2020

Statistic 2

In the U.S., methamphetamine-related treatment admissions increased by over 40% between 2015 and 2020

Statistic 3

Methamphetamine use is associated with increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C among users

Statistic 4

The half-life of methamphetamine in the human body ranges between 9 to 24 hours, depending on various factors

Statistic 5

Chronic use of amphetamines can lead to severe dental problems known as "meth mouth," affecting approximately 1 in 4 users seeking treatment

Statistic 6

Methamphetamine addiction has a high relapse rate, with estimates suggesting around 90% relapse within the first year of treatment

Statistic 7

Amphetamines can cause psychosis in approximately 40% of chronic users, according to clinical studies

Statistic 8

The average purity of illicit methamphetamine seized in Asia is around 70%, which influences overdose risk

Statistic 9

The percentage of methamphetamine users who experience severe cardiovascular complications can be as high as 25% with prolonged use

Statistic 10

Methamphetamine-related deaths in the United States increased by 43% between 2020 and 2022

Statistic 11

The use of methamphetamine among pregnant women in the US is estimated at about 1 in 200 live births, associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Statistic 12

In Canada, methamphetamine-related hospitalizations increased by over 60% from 2014 to 2019

Statistic 13

Amphetamines account for approximately 15% of all stimulant-related emergency department visits in the US

Statistic 14

About 10% of methamphetamine users become dependent within two years of beginning use, highlighting rapid addiction potential

Statistic 15

The average dose of illicit methamphetamine taken recreationally is around 20–30 mg, with higher doses increasing risk of overdose

Statistic 16

Chronic amphetamine users often experience sleep disturbances, with 60-70% reporting insomnia symptoms

Statistic 17

The proportion of amphetamine users seeking treatment increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020 globally, indicating rising concern

Statistic 18

Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can last up to several weeks, including fatigue, depression, and increased appetite, according to clinical studies

Statistic 19

Nearly 70% of individuals addicted to methamphetamine report experiencing visual hallucinations during intoxication

Statistic 20

Amphetamine use during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight and developmental issues in infants, according to recent studies

Statistic 21

There's a notable correlation between amphetamine abuse and increased risk of violent behavior among users, supported by criminological research

Statistic 22

The number of deaths involving methamphetamine in Australia increased by 30% from 2018 to 2022, indicating rising fatalities

Statistic 23

Approximately 60% of methamphetamine users in treatment report co-occurring alcohol use disorder, complicating recovery

Statistic 24

The global market value for amphetamines was estimated to be $8.4 billion in 2021

Statistic 25

The percentage of methamphetamine purity exceeding 90% has increased in certain regions, raising overdose risks

Statistic 26

The annual global economic cost related to amphetamine misuse is estimated at over $large billion, considering health, law enforcement, and productivity losses

Statistic 27

Increased purity and availability of methamphetamine are linked to rising overdose deaths, especially in North America

Statistic 28

Approximately 24 million people globally aged 15-64 have used amphetamines in the past year

Statistic 29

In the United States, around 1.7 million people misused methamphetamine in 2020

Statistic 30

In Australia, lifetime methamphetamine use is reported by approximately 1.6% of the population aged 14 and over

Statistic 31

Around 10% of individuals with a history of methamphetamine dependence also report comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety

Statistic 32

The median age of methamphetamine users globally is approximately 29 years old

Statistic 33

Around 35% of methamphetamine users in treatment programs also report using other illicit drugs

Statistic 34

The primary method of methamphetamine consumption globally is oral ingestion, followed by smoking and injecting

Statistic 35

In the UK, methamphetamine use is most prevalent among young adults aged 20-29, with a reported lifetime prevalence of 2%

Statistic 36

Amphetamine dependence is classified as a substance use disorder in the DSM-5, affecting approximately 0.2% of the adult population in the US

Statistic 37

According to a 2022 survey, about 4.5 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine at some point in their lives

Statistic 38

Among youth aged 12-17, 0.8% reported past-year methamphetamine use in the US

Statistic 39

The number of emergency room visits involving methamphetamine in the US increased by 98% from 2011 to 2021

Statistic 40

In South Korea, methamphetamine use among adolescents increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 41

The global prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use among drug users is approximately 37%, with methamphetamine being the most common

Statistic 42

In German cities, methamphetamine concentrations in wastewater increased by 40% from 2018 to 2020, indicating higher community use

Statistic 43

According to the World Drug Report 2023, approximately 86 million people worldwide have used amphetamine-type stimulants in the past year

Statistic 44

In Sweden, methamphetamine prevalence among regular drug users is around 3%, making it one of the most common illicit stimulants nationally

Statistic 45

Around 3% of the global population aged 15-64 have used amphetamines in their lifetime, based on UNODC estimates

Statistic 46

The majority of methamphetamine treatment admissions are among males, accounting for approximately 75% of cases

Statistic 47

The average age of first-time methamphetamine use globally is approximately 17 years old, suggesting early initiation

Statistic 48

Methamphetamine seizures worldwide increased by 50% from 2018 to 2020

Statistic 49

In Europe, methamphetamine seizure instances rose by 70% between 2016 and 2020

Statistic 50

Global annual production of methamphetamine is estimated to be over 12 metric tons, mostly occurring in Southeast Asia

Statistic 51

In Japan, methamphetamine is the most commonly seized illicit stimulant, with seizures rising by 30% over five years

Statistic 52

In the Netherlands, methamphetamine distribution and seizures have doubled over a decade, reflecting increased trafficking activity

Statistic 53

Approximately 1 out of 5 methamphetamine users in the US is involved in criminal activities related to drug procurement or distribution

Statistic 54

In New Zealand, methamphetamine is involved in approximately 25% of all police drug seizures, indicating high prevalence

Statistic 55

The amount of illicit methamphetamine seized in Europe has increased by about 65% over five years, reflecting a growth in trafficking

Statistic 56

In Mexico, methamphetamine production occurs primarily in clandestine laboratories in the northern border regions, with seizures increasing annually

Statistic 57

In Ukraine, methamphetamine seizures grew by 55% during 2020-2022, reflecting increased trafficking activities

Slide 1 of 57

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 24 million people globally aged 15-64 have used amphetamines in the past year
In the United States, around 1.7 million people misused methamphetamine in 2020
The rise in methamphetamine use contributed to a 15% increase in overdose deaths involving stimulants in the U.S. from 2019 to 2020
In Australia, lifetime methamphetamine use is reported by approximately 1.6% of the population aged 14 and over
Around 10% of individuals with a history of methamphetamine dependence also report comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety
The global market value for amphetamines was estimated to be $8.4 billion in 2021
Methamphetamine seizures worldwide increased by 50% from 2018 to 2020
The median age of methamphetamine users globally is approximately 29 years old
In the U.S., methamphetamine-related treatment admissions increased by over 40% between 2015 and 2020
Methamphetamine use is associated with increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C among users
Around 35% of methamphetamine users in treatment programs also report using other illicit drugs
The primary method of methamphetamine consumption globally is oral ingestion, followed by smoking and injecting
In the UK, methamphetamine use is most prevalent among young adults aged 20-29, with a reported lifetime prevalence of 2%

With over 86 million people worldwide having used amphetamines in the past year and a surge in trafficking, overdoses, and health complications, the global story of methamphetamine is a mounting crisis demanding urgent attention.

Health Effects and Treatment

The rise in methamphetamine use contributed to a 15% increase in overdose deaths involving stimulants in the U.S. from 2019 to 2020
In the U.S., methamphetamine-related treatment admissions increased by over 40% between 2015 and 2020
Methamphetamine use is associated with increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C among users
The half-life of methamphetamine in the human body ranges between 9 to 24 hours, depending on various factors
Chronic use of amphetamines can lead to severe dental problems known as "meth mouth," affecting approximately 1 in 4 users seeking treatment
Methamphetamine addiction has a high relapse rate, with estimates suggesting around 90% relapse within the first year of treatment
Amphetamines can cause psychosis in approximately 40% of chronic users, according to clinical studies
The average purity of illicit methamphetamine seized in Asia is around 70%, which influences overdose risk
The percentage of methamphetamine users who experience severe cardiovascular complications can be as high as 25% with prolonged use
Methamphetamine-related deaths in the United States increased by 43% between 2020 and 2022
The use of methamphetamine among pregnant women in the US is estimated at about 1 in 200 live births, associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes
In Canada, methamphetamine-related hospitalizations increased by over 60% from 2014 to 2019
Amphetamines account for approximately 15% of all stimulant-related emergency department visits in the US
About 10% of methamphetamine users become dependent within two years of beginning use, highlighting rapid addiction potential
The average dose of illicit methamphetamine taken recreationally is around 20–30 mg, with higher doses increasing risk of overdose
Chronic amphetamine users often experience sleep disturbances, with 60-70% reporting insomnia symptoms
The proportion of amphetamine users seeking treatment increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020 globally, indicating rising concern
Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can last up to several weeks, including fatigue, depression, and increased appetite, according to clinical studies
Nearly 70% of individuals addicted to methamphetamine report experiencing visual hallucinations during intoxication
Amphetamine use during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight and developmental issues in infants, according to recent studies
There's a notable correlation between amphetamine abuse and increased risk of violent behavior among users, supported by criminological research
The number of deaths involving methamphetamine in Australia increased by 30% from 2018 to 2022, indicating rising fatalities
Approximately 60% of methamphetamine users in treatment report co-occurring alcohol use disorder, complicating recovery

Health Effects and Treatment Interpretation

As methamphetamine's deadly grip tightens—from a 43% rise in U.S. deaths to over half of users battling addiction relapse—it becomes painfully clear that this potent stimulant not only fuels a surge in overdose and infectious diseases but also entangles users in a web of severe health, social, and economic consequences, demanding urgent and comprehensive intervention.

Market Trends and Economics

The global market value for amphetamines was estimated to be $8.4 billion in 2021
The percentage of methamphetamine purity exceeding 90% has increased in certain regions, raising overdose risks
The annual global economic cost related to amphetamine misuse is estimated at over $large billion, considering health, law enforcement, and productivity losses
Increased purity and availability of methamphetamine are linked to rising overdose deaths, especially in North America

Market Trends and Economics Interpretation

With the global amphetamine market soaring to $8.4 billion and purities surpassing 90%, the heightened risks of overdoses and the staggering economic toll underscore that what's fueling this surge is not just a demand for a stimulant, but a potent crisis demanding urgent intervention.

Prevalence and Demographics

Approximately 24 million people globally aged 15-64 have used amphetamines in the past year
In the United States, around 1.7 million people misused methamphetamine in 2020
In Australia, lifetime methamphetamine use is reported by approximately 1.6% of the population aged 14 and over
Around 10% of individuals with a history of methamphetamine dependence also report comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety
The median age of methamphetamine users globally is approximately 29 years old
Around 35% of methamphetamine users in treatment programs also report using other illicit drugs
The primary method of methamphetamine consumption globally is oral ingestion, followed by smoking and injecting
In the UK, methamphetamine use is most prevalent among young adults aged 20-29, with a reported lifetime prevalence of 2%
Amphetamine dependence is classified as a substance use disorder in the DSM-5, affecting approximately 0.2% of the adult population in the US
According to a 2022 survey, about 4.5 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine at some point in their lives
Among youth aged 12-17, 0.8% reported past-year methamphetamine use in the US
The number of emergency room visits involving methamphetamine in the US increased by 98% from 2011 to 2021
In South Korea, methamphetamine use among adolescents increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022
The global prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use among drug users is approximately 37%, with methamphetamine being the most common
In German cities, methamphetamine concentrations in wastewater increased by 40% from 2018 to 2020, indicating higher community use
According to the World Drug Report 2023, approximately 86 million people worldwide have used amphetamine-type stimulants in the past year
In Sweden, methamphetamine prevalence among regular drug users is around 3%, making it one of the most common illicit stimulants nationally
Around 3% of the global population aged 15-64 have used amphetamines in their lifetime, based on UNODC estimates
The majority of methamphetamine treatment admissions are among males, accounting for approximately 75% of cases
The average age of first-time methamphetamine use globally is approximately 17 years old, suggesting early initiation

Prevalence and Demographics Interpretation

With roughly 24 million people worldwide caught in the stimulant's grip and methamphetamine-related ER visits nearly doubling over a decade, it's clear that the global appetite for amphetamines is not just widespread but intensifying—highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive intervention beyond just the numbers.

Production, Distribution, and Law Enforcement

Methamphetamine seizures worldwide increased by 50% from 2018 to 2020
In Europe, methamphetamine seizure instances rose by 70% between 2016 and 2020
Global annual production of methamphetamine is estimated to be over 12 metric tons, mostly occurring in Southeast Asia
In Japan, methamphetamine is the most commonly seized illicit stimulant, with seizures rising by 30% over five years
In the Netherlands, methamphetamine distribution and seizures have doubled over a decade, reflecting increased trafficking activity
Approximately 1 out of 5 methamphetamine users in the US is involved in criminal activities related to drug procurement or distribution
In New Zealand, methamphetamine is involved in approximately 25% of all police drug seizures, indicating high prevalence
The amount of illicit methamphetamine seized in Europe has increased by about 65% over five years, reflecting a growth in trafficking
In Mexico, methamphetamine production occurs primarily in clandestine laboratories in the northern border regions, with seizures increasing annually
In Ukraine, methamphetamine seizures grew by 55% during 2020-2022, reflecting increased trafficking activities

Production, Distribution, and Law Enforcement Interpretation

Despite increasing seizures worldwide—rising by up to 70% and 65% in key regions—the persistent surge in methamphetamine production and trafficking underscores a persistent battle against a stimulant epidemic that’s fueling crime, destabilizing communities, and challenging global law enforcement efforts.