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

Abstract

We examine temporal trends in methamphetamine-related mortality across the 9 US Census Divisions from 2005 to 2023. We leveraged data from the CDC WONDER multiple causes of death database to identify methamphetamine-related deaths among US residents aged older than or equal to 15 years from 2005 to 2023. Mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 population and stratified by Census Division. We used Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent changes in mortality and identify statistically significant inflection points in mortality rates over time. From 2005 to 2023, methamphetamine-related deaths increased across all divisions, with the highest cumulative deaths in the Pacific, South Atlantic, and Mountain divisions. Mortality rates were lowest in New England and Middle Atlantic but grew rapidly in recent years. Several divisions demonstrated sharp increases during the 2010s (eg, East North Central and East South Central), followed by stabilization in some regions after 2021. By 2023, the highest mortality rates were observed in the Pacific, East South Central, and Mountain divisions. Methamphetamine-related mortality has intensified nationally, with pronounced geographic variation in timing and magnitude. Recent indications of stabilization in some divisions have occurred at historically high levels. These patterns underscore the need for regionally tailored harm reduction, treatment, and prevention strategies.