PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Drug overdoses are a national problem. Opioids are at the center of the storm, but methamphetamine numbers are rising as well.
Meth is a psychostimulant, and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it not only has long-term, devastating effects. It is also leading to overdose deaths.
There has been a 180% increase in the past two years. Over the past four years, meth use has increased by 43%.
While the use of meth has increased three times in the white community during that time, it has gone up 10% in the Black community. Women tend to use meth more than men, research shows.
There is one other major concern: There is an increased use of meth combined with cocaine.
The institute is encouraging the development of more community-based programs to battle the growing problem.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.