Meth treatment: Who gets help for methamphetamine addiction? (INFOGRAPHIC)

Who gets treated for methamphetamine addiction in the U.S.?

According to the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) nationwide treatment admissions for meth abuse have decreased from 8.1% in 2005 to 5.6% in 2011. The majority, or 53%, of primary methamphetamine admissions were male, and about two-thirds or 69% were non-Hispanic Whites (36% males and 33% females).

Methamphetamine addiction treatment admissions for both genders in all race/ethnicities peaked in the late 20s and early 30s; non-Hispanic White male admissions had a secondary peak in their mid-30s.

Meth addiction treatment admissions

Treatment for any substance abuse problem is crucial for longer term success. Especially if we take into consideration that addicts are not the only ones who pay the cost of meth addiction. Other expenses we all pay include:

1. Crime and other crime-related costs (harm to victims, law enforcement, incarceration).
2. Losses in productivity.
3. Medical costs.
4. Addicts as vectors for HIV and Hepatitis.
5. The emotional costs to loved ones.

Primary methamphetamine admissions were more likely than all admissions combined to be referred to treatment by the criminal justice/DUI source. Primary meth admissions were more likely than all admissions combined to receive long-term rehabilitation / residential drug treatment.

Also, 67% percent of primary methamphetamine / amphetamine admissions reported secondary use of other substances, primarily marijuana – 36% and alcohol – 29%.

Meth addiction treatment questions

Do you have any additional questions? We welcome to post them in the designated section at the bottom of this page. We try to answer personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries, or refer you to professionals who can help your particular issue.
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Reference Sources: DAWN: Emergency Department Visits Involving Methamphetamine: 2007 to 2011

SAMHSA: Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

DrugAbuse: What is the scope of methamphetamine abuse in the United States

SAMHSA:  Methamphetamine Addiction, Treatment, and Outcomes: Implications for Child Welfare Workers

About the author

Lee Weber

Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.