How Many People Use Meth in New Mexico?

An Overview of the Methamphetamine Epidemic in New Mexico

Did you know that the lifetime methamphetamine use in New Mexico dropped from 7.7% in 2007 to 1.6% in 2021? On page 150 of the New Mexico Substance Use State Epidemiology Profile 2024 (August), it states that the current meth use in New Mexico is estimated at 4.6% since 2005.

From a historic drop, meth use is again surging and presenting a public health disaster in New Mexico

At Icarus, we feel a crucial way to combat this escalating issue is to understand the real impact of meth use and potential solutions to resolve it.

This is where our resource on how many people use meth in New Mexico comes to the fore, as a means of raising awareness and letting those struggling know they are not alone, and help can be found.

Let’s dive a little deeper to get an overview of the growing meth crisis in New Mexico, and we will also highlight how the programs at Icarus Behavioral Health offer a road to recovery from meth and substance use disorders of all kinds.

Looking at Actual Use of Meth in the Birthplace of Breaking Bad

The methamphetamine crisis is not just a fictional storyline from Breaking Bad, it is a harsh reality for those living in New Mexico. At Icarus Behavioral Health, we have seen the effects of meth use and substance abuse firsthand on a daily basis.

Meth has had a devastating effect on countless lives in our state and has been one of the leading causes of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico. A study from 2022 indicates that Nevada and New Mexico unfortunately had the highest rates of opioid and meth use.

This research also showed that opioid-related deaths now include more cases of methamphetamine abuse. This alarming increase in meth-related deaths has created a statewide emergency in addition to the ongoing opioid epidemic nationwide.

The Personal and Social Costs of ‘Cheap’ Meth

While commonly thought of as a cheaper drug than other stimulants like cocaine, for regular users meth quickly becomes an expensive drug.

The National Drug Intelligence Center (NIDC) reported that methamphetamine can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,000 per ounce in Albuquerque, New Mexico. An average price of $60 per gram was also outlined in this study.

The NIDC now reports that methamphetamine abuse surpassed alcohol and marijuana abuse in the Najavo Nation in New Mexico. It was because of the rising issues it presented that the tribal government declared the possession, distribution, and use of meth a criminal offense.

The Current State of Methamphetamine Use in New Mexico

Did you know that in New Mexico drug overdose deaths rose to 537 in 2018? It went up by 9% from 491 in 2017 according to the New Mexico Department of Health. During that time, it was the second-highest drug overdose death record for New Mexico.

The report cites meth as the primary driver for this sharp increase in overdose deaths. It highlighted that while other drug abuse rates were decreasing gradually, meth remained a serious concern for people in New Mexico.

Currently, methamphetamine and fentanyl are the most common causes of drug overdose deaths in New Mexico. Although fentanyl-related deaths surged after 2019, meth was already the leading cause of such deaths in the state.

A 2023 Progress Report confirms that and states that in 2021 alone, an estimated 488 individuals were victims of methamphetamine overdose which led to their death. This was over 47% of drug-related deaths in the year associated with meth abuse.

Ongoing Challenges for Law Enforcement Personnel

Furthermore, the report confirms that approximately 11% or more than 21,000 New Mexicans with a substance use disorder were associated with meth abuse. However, there is hope for improvement, and rampant efforts by the government and relevant authorities are already underway to curb this growing epidemic.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the state government allocated $790 Million for the Medicaid Behavioral Health program. That program focuses on providing substance use treatment coverage for almost half of all New Mexicans.

Meanwhile, regions like Albuquerque and the Four Corners area still rank high for meth abuse and can use exactly this form of support and access to effective treatment.

It is worth noting that Icarus proudly accepts many forms of Medicaid in New Mexico to help improve this accessibility to care, and is a leader in addressing meth addiction in Albuquerque and across the state.

The Impact of Meth Abuse On Physical and Mental Health

Most of us understand that there is a wide range of negative effects as a result of any form of drug addiction. When talking about methamphetamine, we must realize that it is a drug that has been ravaging the state of New Mexico for decades. It has severe physical and mental health effects.

Since it is a powerful stimulant that leads to a euphoric state by influencing the central nervous system, it can affect the cardiovascular health of individuals. In fact, a 2019 study indicates a correlation between worsening cardiovascular health and meth use.

There are other effects of methamphetamine abuse related to overall health. For instance, it increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, individuals are also at a greater risk for stroke. A separate study from 2019 confirms that and also indicates a risk of heart failure among meth abusers.

Looking at “Meth Mouth” and The Realities of Meth Abuse

You may have heard about “meth mouth”, which is slang phrase that is also sometimes used by dental and medical professionals to refer to severe dental problems among meth users. It typically involves conditions like gum disease and tooth decay.

In the long run, frequent meth use can cause tooth loss and a decline in jaw bone density. A scientific review also indicates that severe tooth pain is a common symptom of meth mouth and meth face damage.

Moreover, those are not the only health issues that can arise as a result of methamphetamine use. Others include:

• Severe Acne
• Face Sores
• Cognitive Impairments
• Chronic Gum Diseases
• Tooth Fractures
• Seizures
• Mental Health Issues (hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, etc.)

If you or a loved one is struggling with any of these signs or symptoms due to meth addiction, know that there are various treatments and health services available to help you at Icarus, including our meth rehab program.

You can get psychological support and the right medical treatment to start your recovery today. Reach out to the team of compassionate healthcare specialists at Icarus Behavioral Health for options.

The Social and Economic Impact of the Methamphetamine Crisis

According to The Penn State Evidence to Impact Model, the lifetime cost of an illegal drug-use disorder could be around $245,000. But even that staggering amount is far beyond the real total cost because it involves not just damage to the physical and mental health of the struggling individual but also their surroundings and community.

Whole families, including neighbors and localities, fall victim to the side effects of methamphetamine abuse. There is a risk of serious familial dysfunction and strained relationships which makes it even more challenging to prevent substance and alcohol addiction.

Even more broadly, our communities as a whole are damaged due to meth abuse because it fractures personal relations among neighbors due to declining mental health and crime issues. More so, it often leads to domestic violence and significantly disrupts the daily lives of affected individuals.

Communities Suffering in New Mexico Due to Meth Abuse

Sadly, the communities in New Mexico are currently experiencing many of the negative impacts of methamphetamine. Neighborhoods that experience higher rates of meth abuse and substance abuse have relatively higher crime rates.

These crimes typically include theft and assault which most experts link with the need for money to indulge in meth habits. What’s worse is that it leads to an uptick in criminal activity which drives insecurity and instability in local divisions.

As a result, it can have long-term effects on economic activity and create a burden on the government’s financial reserves. All of this is confirmed and indicated in the official report of New Mexico Criminal Justice Data.

Here’s a summary of how meth use impacts communities in New Mexico:

• Rising Crime Rates
• Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
• Family Issues
• Economic Impact
• Higher Healthcare Costs
• Rise of Violent Behavior
• Strained Healthcare Programs
• Homelessness

When we understand these long-term social and economic impacts of meth use in New Mexico, we quickly realize why it is important to combat this rampant issue. It will not only help us get rid of one of the most common illegal drugs but also lead to safer and cleaner streets.

Methamphetamine Production and Distribution

How does methamphetamine reach New Mexico? And more importantly, how does methamphetamine come to exist?

The Production Process of Meth

Meth comes through a complicated but easily replicable product process. It uses precursor chemicals, which are often found in OTC medications and industrial-grade chemical mixtures.

The illicit drug production operations mostly take place in clandestine laboratories. Moreover, the production itself is highly dangerous as it exposes the producers to toxic and explosive substances.

How Is It Distributed?

There is a complex web of distribution networks all across New Mexico that is giving way to the illegal drugs that keep showing up on streets and localities. You will be surprised to know that trafficked meth’s sources include states like Texas and California.

In fact, the availability of methamphetamine in New Mexico spans both urban and rural areas. Consequently, this has given rise to nefarious criminal groups that are organized gangs and drug mafias operating in the state.

These criminal groups and drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are the primary transporters of illicit drugs like methamphetamine into New Mexico borders. Furthermore, the official report also confirms that local independent dealers along with street and prison gangs are the primary dealers of meth on the retail level.

A report from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) indicates that there has been a growing shift from plant-based drugs like cocaine and heroin use in New Mexico to synthetic products, like meth and fentanyl. This includes states across the Southwest and the US as a whole.

Are You Ready to Make a Change? We Are Here to Help

The rising methamphetamine crisis in New Mexico is affecting countless lives every day. But, there’s hope. If you or someone that you know are struggling with meth use, Icarus Behavioral Health is ready to help.

In the heart of New Mexico, Bernalillo County, we offer compassionate support and personalized care. With support from local efforts and the right help, you can take charge of your life. Seek experienced professionals for a confidential chat.

Together, we can return healthier and safer streets to our home state of New Mexico.