User Demographics

Methamphetamine use disorder affects individuals from every demographic group and socioeconomic background. People who use methamphetamine vary widely in age, occupation, education, gender, race, and geographic location. Although patterns of use differ among populations, methamphetamine is most commonly used for its stimulant effects, including increased energy, wakefulness, euphoria, enhanced concentration, appetite suppression, and perceived improvement in productivity or mood.^3,6,20

Individuals may initiate methamphetamine use for many reasons, including recreation, weight loss, increased work or academic performance, prolonged wakefulness, or self-treatment of fatigue or depression. Continued use frequently results in tolerance, compulsive use, and progression to stimulant use disorder.^3,20,27

Recent national surveys estimate that millions of Americans have used methamphetamine during their lifetime and that approximately two million individuals report past-year use. Methamphetamine use occurs in both urban and rural communities and affects adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older individuals.⁶ Women may initiate methamphetamine use for reasons such as appetite suppression, increased energy, or weight loss, whereas occupational demands, prolonged work hours, and recreational use have been reported across numerous professions and industries. Ultimately, no single demographic profile reliably predicts who may develop methamphetamine use disorder.^3,6,20

The epidemiology of methamphetamine has evolved substantially over the past two decades. Although methamphetamine was once concentrated primarily in the western United States, it is now widely available throughout the country. According to recent National Drug Threat Assessments, methamphetamine availability remains highest in the western, midwestern, and southern regions of the United States, but distribution has expanded nationwide.^2,30

Internationally, methamphetamine production, trafficking, and use continue to increase in many parts of the world, particularly throughout East and Southeast Asia and Oceania. Global trafficking networks and industrial-scale production have contributed to increased availability, lower cost, and higher purity in many regions.³³

Because methamphetamine use spans all demographic groups, dental professionals should avoid relying on stereotypes when assessing patients. Instead, clinicians should remain alert for behavioral changes, oral manifestations, and medical findings that may suggest stimulant use disorder, regardless of a patient's age, appearance, occupation, or socioeconomic status.^8,13,28