GITNUXREPORT 2025

Amphetamines Statistics

Global amphetamine use rises; overdoses, purity, and treatment challenges increase.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Amphetamine and methamphetamine use are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology

Statistic 2

In a global survey, 3.4% of amphetamine users reported injecting the drug, increasing risks of HIV transmission

Statistic 3

The risk of developing psychosis increases among amphetamine users, especially with high doses and prolonged use, as noted in a study in Schizophrenia Research

Statistic 4

The average daily dose of methamphetamine abused illicitly varies but can reach up to 500 mg or more in some cases

Statistic 5

The neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine may cause long-term damage to dopamine and serotonin neurons, as described in research published in the Journal of Neurochemistry

Statistic 6

Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks and include fatigue, depression, and increased appetite, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Statistic 7

The rate of methamphetamine overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by over 250% from 2015 to 2021

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In 2022, the prevalence of methamphetamine use disorder among U.S. prisoners was approximately 17%, as per Bureau of Justice Statistics

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In some regions, law enforcement agencies report that methamphetamine is being mixed with caffeine or other substances, complicating treatment and detection

Statistic 10

Approximately 60% of individuals seeking treatment for methamphetamine use report co-occurring mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression

Statistic 11

The long-term economic impact of amphetamine abuse includes increased healthcare costs, law enforcement expenses, and lost productivity, estimated in the billions annually in the U.S.

Statistic 12

A study in Australia indicates that around 45% of amphetamine users who seek treatment eventually relapse within 12 months, highlighting the chronic nature of dependence

Statistic 13

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that approximately 5-10% of all amphetamine users develop dependence, depending on the region and usage patterns

Statistic 14

In 2020, overdose deaths involving methamphetamine in the U.S. reached over 22,000, representing a 45% increase from the previous year

Statistic 15

In 2021, approximately 29% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved methamphetamine, either alone or combined with other substances

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The methamphetamine epidemic has led to an increase in related infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis C, especially among injecting users, with infection rates rising by 10% annually in some areas

Statistic 17

The majority of methamphetamine overdose deaths in the U.S. involve concurrent use of opioids such as fentanyl, complicating treatment efforts

Statistic 18

Studies indicate that long-term use of amphetamines can impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making, as documented in neuropsychological research

Statistic 19

Surveys of treatment centers reveal that about 50% of clients dependent on methamphetamine have attempted to quit multiple times without success, indicating high relapse rates

Statistic 20

Data from Europe shows that methamphetamine purity in seizures varies between 40% and 90%, depending on the source, with high-purity batches linked to increased overdose risk

Statistic 21

Methamphetamine seizures increased by 7% globally from 2019 to 2020

Statistic 22

The number of amphetamine-related arrests globally decreased slightly in 2020, with around 267,000 arrests documented

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Rural areas in the U.S. have seen a rise in methamphetamine availability, with law enforcement reports indicating a 15% increase in rural seizures over the past five years

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The purity of methamphetamine in stimulants seized in North America has tripled over the last decade, reaching an average of about 90%, according to law enforcement reports

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The use of amphetamines among men convicted of driving under the influence is significantly higher than among women, with estimates around 60% in arrest data

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The global methamphetamine market was valued at around $6.4 billion in 2021

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The global demand for methamphetamine is driven largely by North America, which accounts for over 50% of the consumption

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The average street price of methamphetamine varies widely but generally ranges between $20-$100 per gram depending on purity and location

Statistic 29

The average street price for methamphetamine has decreased in some regions due to increased supply and purity, making it more accessible to new users

Statistic 30

Approximately 35 million people worldwide have used amphetamines at least once in the past year

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In the United States, about 2 million people aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in the past year

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The median age of first methamphetamine use in the U.S. is approximately 22 years old

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Approximately 0.3% of the global adult population, or about 22 million people, are estimated to abuse amphetamines

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The lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use among U.S. adults is roughly 2.4%

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Methamphetamine is the second most commonly used illicit stimulant after cocaine in the United States

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Approximately 15% of individuals seeking treatment for stimulant use disorders in the U.S. are specifically treated for methamphetamine dependence

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Amphetamine use among adolescents in the U.S. decreased by roughly 7% between 2015 and 2021

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Among those who use methamphetamine, around 10% also report using opioids concurrently, increasing overdose risk

Statistic 39

The average age of first use of amphetamines in Europe is approximately 21 years old, according to European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

Statistic 40

Experimental use of amphetamines among college students in the U.S. has declined by about 5% over the last decade, based on Monitoring the Future surveys

Statistic 41

The use of methamphetamine is highest among males aged 18-25 in the U.S., accounting for approximately 70% of cases

Statistic 42

In Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, methamphetamine is known as "yaba," which is the street name for tablet forms of the drug

Statistic 43

Data shows that regions with higher unemployment rates tend to have increased methamphetamine use, indicating economic factors influence drug consumption patterns

Statistic 44

According to global surveys, about 4% of male youth aged 15-19 have experimented with amphetamines at least once, with higher prevalence in urban areas

Statistic 45

In some countries, amphetamine prescription rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to increased mental health issues and demand for stimulant medications

Statistic 46

Methamphetamine-related treatment admissions in the U.S. rose by nearly 12% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting increasing prevalence

Statistic 47

The purity of illicit methamphetamine on the street has increased significantly over the past decade, reaching up to 90% purity in some regions

Statistic 48

The global production of methamphetamine is estimated to be over 600 tons annually, primarily in East Asia and North America

Statistic 49

The majority of illicit methamphetamine in the U.S. is produced in clandestine labs in Mexico, with increasing quantities in recent years

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Key Highlights

Approximately 35 million people worldwide have used amphetamines at least once in the past year
In the United States, about 2 million people aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in the past year
The global methamphetamine market was valued at around $6.4 billion in 2021
Methamphetamine seizures increased by 7% globally from 2019 to 2020
The median age of first methamphetamine use in the U.S. is approximately 22 years old
Approximately 0.3% of the global adult population, or about 22 million people, are estimated to abuse amphetamines
Amphetamine and methamphetamine use are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology
The lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use among U.S. adults is roughly 2.4%
Methamphetamine is the second most commonly used illicit stimulant after cocaine in the United States
The purity of illicit methamphetamine on the street has increased significantly over the past decade, reaching up to 90% purity in some regions
In a global survey, 3.4% of amphetamine users reported injecting the drug, increasing risks of HIV transmission
Approximately 15% of individuals seeking treatment for stimulant use disorders in the U.S. are specifically treated for methamphetamine dependence
The risk of developing psychosis increases among amphetamine users, especially with high doses and prolonged use, as noted in a study in Schizophrenia Research

With over 35 million people worldwide having used amphetamines in the past year, this potent stimulant continues to fuel a global epidemic marked by rising seizures, skyrocketing overdose deaths, and profound health and societal impacts.

Health and Medical Impacts

Amphetamine and methamphetamine use are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology
In a global survey, 3.4% of amphetamine users reported injecting the drug, increasing risks of HIV transmission
The risk of developing psychosis increases among amphetamine users, especially with high doses and prolonged use, as noted in a study in Schizophrenia Research
The average daily dose of methamphetamine abused illicitly varies but can reach up to 500 mg or more in some cases
The neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine may cause long-term damage to dopamine and serotonin neurons, as described in research published in the Journal of Neurochemistry
Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks and include fatigue, depression, and increased appetite, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse
The rate of methamphetamine overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by over 250% from 2015 to 2021
In 2022, the prevalence of methamphetamine use disorder among U.S. prisoners was approximately 17%, as per Bureau of Justice Statistics
In some regions, law enforcement agencies report that methamphetamine is being mixed with caffeine or other substances, complicating treatment and detection
Approximately 60% of individuals seeking treatment for methamphetamine use report co-occurring mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression
The long-term economic impact of amphetamine abuse includes increased healthcare costs, law enforcement expenses, and lost productivity, estimated in the billions annually in the U.S.
A study in Australia indicates that around 45% of amphetamine users who seek treatment eventually relapse within 12 months, highlighting the chronic nature of dependence
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that approximately 5-10% of all amphetamine users develop dependence, depending on the region and usage patterns
In 2020, overdose deaths involving methamphetamine in the U.S. reached over 22,000, representing a 45% increase from the previous year
In 2021, approximately 29% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved methamphetamine, either alone or combined with other substances
The methamphetamine epidemic has led to an increase in related infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis C, especially among injecting users, with infection rates rising by 10% annually in some areas
The majority of methamphetamine overdose deaths in the U.S. involve concurrent use of opioids such as fentanyl, complicating treatment efforts
Studies indicate that long-term use of amphetamines can impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making, as documented in neuropsychological research
Surveys of treatment centers reveal that about 50% of clients dependent on methamphetamine have attempted to quit multiple times without success, indicating high relapse rates
Data from Europe shows that methamphetamine purity in seizures varies between 40% and 90%, depending on the source, with high-purity batches linked to increased overdose risk

Health and Medical Impacts Interpretation

Amphetamine and methamphetamine use significantly elevate cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric risks, while their increasing prevalence—highlighted by rising overdose deaths, high relapse rates, and associated infectious diseases—underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies amidst a global landscape where purity, polydrug use, and social consequences complicate recovery efforts.

Law Enforcement and Crime Statistics

Methamphetamine seizures increased by 7% globally from 2019 to 2020
The number of amphetamine-related arrests globally decreased slightly in 2020, with around 267,000 arrests documented
Rural areas in the U.S. have seen a rise in methamphetamine availability, with law enforcement reports indicating a 15% increase in rural seizures over the past five years
The purity of methamphetamine in stimulants seized in North America has tripled over the last decade, reaching an average of about 90%, according to law enforcement reports
The use of amphetamines among men convicted of driving under the influence is significantly higher than among women, with estimates around 60% in arrest data

Law Enforcement and Crime Statistics Interpretation

Despite a slight global decline in arrests, the spike in meth seizures and the skyrocketing purity levels highlight that while law enforcement's grip tightens slightly, the underground market's potency and rural reach are fueling an era where methamphetamine remains an insidious and increasingly potent threat.

Market Size and Demand

The global methamphetamine market was valued at around $6.4 billion in 2021
The global demand for methamphetamine is driven largely by North America, which accounts for over 50% of the consumption
The average street price of methamphetamine varies widely but generally ranges between $20-$100 per gram depending on purity and location
The average street price for methamphetamine has decreased in some regions due to increased supply and purity, making it more accessible to new users

Market Size and Demand Interpretation

With a $6.4 billion market predominantly fueled by North America's insatiable demand, declining prices and rising purity threaten to turn methamphetamine from a hidden danger into an even more accessible epidemic.

Prevalence and Usage Patterns

Approximately 35 million people worldwide have used amphetamines at least once in the past year
In the United States, about 2 million people aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in the past year
The median age of first methamphetamine use in the U.S. is approximately 22 years old
Approximately 0.3% of the global adult population, or about 22 million people, are estimated to abuse amphetamines
The lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use among U.S. adults is roughly 2.4%
Methamphetamine is the second most commonly used illicit stimulant after cocaine in the United States
Approximately 15% of individuals seeking treatment for stimulant use disorders in the U.S. are specifically treated for methamphetamine dependence
Amphetamine use among adolescents in the U.S. decreased by roughly 7% between 2015 and 2021
Among those who use methamphetamine, around 10% also report using opioids concurrently, increasing overdose risk
The average age of first use of amphetamines in Europe is approximately 21 years old, according to European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
Experimental use of amphetamines among college students in the U.S. has declined by about 5% over the last decade, based on Monitoring the Future surveys
The use of methamphetamine is highest among males aged 18-25 in the U.S., accounting for approximately 70% of cases
In Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, methamphetamine is known as "yaba," which is the street name for tablet forms of the drug
Data shows that regions with higher unemployment rates tend to have increased methamphetamine use, indicating economic factors influence drug consumption patterns
According to global surveys, about 4% of male youth aged 15-19 have experimented with amphetamines at least once, with higher prevalence in urban areas
In some countries, amphetamine prescription rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to increased mental health issues and demand for stimulant medications
Methamphetamine-related treatment admissions in the U.S. rose by nearly 12% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting increasing prevalence

Prevalence and Usage Patterns Interpretation

While millions worldwide have dipped into the amphetamine stash, the steady decline among U.S. youth and the rising treatment admissions underscore that, despite changing patterns, the stimulant shadow continues to cast a significant and complex strain on society.

Production, Supply, and Economic Factors

The purity of illicit methamphetamine on the street has increased significantly over the past decade, reaching up to 90% purity in some regions
The global production of methamphetamine is estimated to be over 600 tons annually, primarily in East Asia and North America
The majority of illicit methamphetamine in the U.S. is produced in clandestine labs in Mexico, with increasing quantities in recent years

Production, Supply, and Economic Factors Interpretation

As methamphetamine purity and production soar to new heights, authorities face the daunting challenge of combating highly potent, globally manufactured stimulants increasingly clandestined across borders and borders between regions.