Regional Disparities in Prescription Methamphetamine and Amphetamine Distribution Across the United States

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this report were to characterize the regional and state differences in prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution in the US. Methods: Prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution was obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration for 2019. Results: Total per capita drug weight distribution of amphetamine was 4,000 times higher than methamphetamine. Regionally, total per capita drug weight for methamphetamine was highest in the West (32.2% of total distribution) and lowest in the Northeast (17.4%). The total per capita drug weight for amphetamine was highest in the South (37.0% of total distribution) and lowest in the Northeast (19.4%). Distribution of methamphetamine was 16.1% while amphetamine was 54.0% of its production quota. Conclusion: Overall, prescription amphetamine distribution was common while prescription methamphetamine distribution was rare. The patterns observed in distribution are likely the result of stigmatization, differences in accessibility, and the efforts of initiatives such as the Montana Meth Project.