8 States with the Highest Rates of Meth Addiction

The opioid crisis has been making headlines for the past few years. But another drug is posing a serious threat as well. Meth, or methamphetamine, has become increasingly common in the United States. It’s a highly addictive stimulant that is often abused as a substitute for prescription opioids. In some states, the number of people who have substance abuse problems related to meth is higher than the number of people who have opioid addiction problems combined.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, or NSDUH, meth abuse is highest in the states listed below. If you live in or are planning to move to one of these states, then you need to take steps to prevent meth addiction.

1. West Virginia

This state is home to the highest rate of meth addiction in the entire country. The NSDUH reported that approximately 5% of residents have substance abuse problems related to meth in West Virginia. This is more than any other state where meth addiction is rampant.

West Virginia is also suffering from a severe opioid crisis. In fact, the state is in the top five for the largest number of opioid addicts. With the high rates of meth addiction combined with opioid addiction, it’s clear why West Virginia is in the top spot for meth addiction.

The prevalence of meth addiction in West Virginia isn’t surprising. The state has a long history with meth. After all, it was one of the first to be hit hard by the meth epidemic in the 1980s.

2. Kentucky

This state is second on the list of meth addiction. The NSDUH reported that approximately 4% of residents in Kentucky have a meth addiction problem. The prevalence of meth addiction in Kentucky is much lower than in West Virginia. However, it’s still almost double the rate of the second-highest state.

While Kentucky is much lower on the meth addiction list than West Virginia, the prevalence of opioid addiction is much higher. In fact, Kentucky is in the top five for the largest number of opioid addicts.

3. Mississippi

Mississippi is third on the list of meth abuse. The NSDUH found that approximately 3% of residents of the state have meth addiction problems. Residents of Mississippi are also dealing with an opioid crisis. The prevalence of opioid addiction is much higher than meth addiction. However, the state still features in the top five for the largest number of opioid addicts.

Mississippi is an interesting case study. There was a time when it was considered a meth-free state. However, it has now become one of the states with the highest prevalence of meth addiction.

4. New Mexico

New Mexico is fourth on the meth addiction list. Approximately 2% of residents of the state have meth addiction problems. The prevalence of meth addiction is much lower than other states on the list, however, it’s still more than double the rate of the fourth-lowest state.

New Mexico is an interesting state with a growing meth problem. This is because it is a Mexican border state. As an influx of illegal immigrants is often a sign of a meth problem, it stands to reason that New Mexico has a growing meth problem.

5. Colorado

Colorado is fifth on the meth addiction list. Approximately 1% of residents have meth addiction problems. However, the prevalence of meth is still higher than the prevalence of any other illicit drug.

Colorado is an interesting state because of the booming marijuana industry. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and has no medical use. Despite this, it still appears lower on the meth addiction list.

6. Alabama

This state makes the top six for meth addiction. Approximately 1% of residents of the state have meth addiction problems, although the prevalence of meth addiction is much lower than other states on the list.

7. Nevada

This state has a high rate of meth addiction. The NSDUH reported that 1.5% of its residents have meth addiction problems. It is followed closely by Oklahoma, with just a 1.2% rate of meth addiction.

8. Oklahoma

The seventh-highest state on the list is Oklahoma. It has a meth addiction rate of 1.2%. This is a much lower rate of meth than the other states on the list, however, continues to be an ongoing problem.

Trust Oasis Recovery

These eight states all share a common trait—a high rate of meth addiction. If you have meth addiction problems, then you need to seek help now.

Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.

 Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.