Trends in US Methamphetamine-related Mortality by Census Division, 2005-2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Methamphetamine use and associated mortality represent a significant public health challenge in the United States.
• Understanding the geographic and temporal patterns of methamphetamine-related deaths is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze temporal trends in methamphetamine-related mortality across US Census Divisions from 2005 to 2023.
• To identify geographic variations in the incidence and progression of methamphetamine-related deaths.

Main Methods:

• Utilized CDC WONDER database for mortality data (US residents ≥15 years, 2005-2023).
• Calculated mortality rates per 100,000 population, stratified by Census Division.
• Employed Joinpoint regression to assess annual percent changes and identify significant inflection points.

Main Results:

• Methamphetamine-related deaths increased across all divisions between 2005 and 2023.
• Highest cumulative deaths were observed in the Pacific, South Atlantic, and Mountain divisions.
• While New England and Middle Atlantic had lower rates, they experienced rapid growth; some divisions showed stabilization after 2021 at high levels.

Conclusions:

• Methamphetamine-related mortality shows national intensification with significant geographic disparities in timing and scale.
• Emerging stabilization in some regions occurs at historically elevated rates.
• Regionally specific harm reduction, treatment, and prevention strategies are imperative.