Methamphetamine Awareness Day: Stats and Links to Promote Awareness

Launched in 2006 by then President George W. Bush, National Methamphetamine Awareness Day is observed annually on Nov. 30 as part of an effort to educate the public about the effects and dangers of meth. But given the overabundance of national days, including everything from National Cereal Day (March 7th) to Hagfish Day (celebrated the third Wednesday in October in honor of the snake-like fish that produces copious amounts of slime), it’s easy to lose sight of the purpose and importance of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day.

To that end, here are some insights about the scope of meth addiction in the United States as well as a few things you can do to generate awareness regarding its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Methamphetamine Statistics

• According to results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health  2.5 million people aged 12 and older used meth in the past year.¹
• Meth use in the 12 and older age group was most prevalent among multiracial individuals and white people, and less prevalent in the Black and Asian communities.¹
• In 2021, 101,000 people began using meth within the last year, of which roughly 50% of individuals were older than 25 years of age.¹
• Within the same 12 and older age bracket, 1.6 million people had a meth use disorder in the last year.¹
• In 2022, an estimated 0.2% of 8th graders, 0.3% of 10th graders, and 0.5% of 12th graders used methamphetamine in the last year.²
• In 2021, approximately 32,537 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential other than cocaine (primarily methamphetamine).²
• Data from Pew Charitable Trusts shows that between 2015 to 2019, arrests for meth possession increased by 59%.³

What Can You Do?

What can you do to generate awareness for meth addiction and support individuals and their families struggling with the disease?

1. Generate awareness (perhaps by sharing this post). One of the best ways to foster change is to generate awareness about methamphetamines, addiction, and treatment options.
2. Watch your language and sidestep stereotypes. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. So as you attempt to raise awareness for any type of addiction, avoid stigmatizing language (e.g., addicts, users, junkies, meth abusers, alcoholics, meth heads, etc.).
3. Educate yourself and others. Education can help you and others avoid the perils of meth addiction. American Addiction Centers offers a host of valuable, medically reviewed content about methamphetamines and how to seek help for yourself or a loved one including:

• Meth Addiction.
• Effects of Methamphetamine Use.
• Meth Overdose.
• Meth Withdrawal.
• Inpatient Treatment.
• Outpatient Care.

If you’re ready to seek treatment or help a loved one enter rehab, check out:

• How to Choose a Rehab Facility.
• How to Prepare for Rehab.
• Rehab Admissions Process at AAC.
• Payment Options.
• Insurance Benefits Verification.