The Meth-Opioid Connection

(Fall 2018) Although the opioid epidemic is still top-of-mind when it comes to battling drugs in America, several states, including Ohio, are also witnessing an escalation of methamphetamine use among their residents who are already abusing opioids.

One recovery counselor in southern Ohio suspects the rise in methamphetamine use is due in part to Vivitrol—a drug designed to assist individuals to overcome opioid addiction. Vivitrol eliminates the high opioids provide. However, when the trauma or pain that originally spurred the opioid addiction is not treated, users begin looking for a new drug.

Since Vivitrol does not have an effect on meth (in fact, there is no medication-assisted therapy currently for the drug), it seems to be emerging as the opioid abuser’s new substance of choice. Methamphetamine, however, brings on schizophrenic-like side effects, including hallucinations and paranoia, not usually seen with opioid abuse.

Although some is being “cooked” in Ohio, most meth is finding its way into the Buckeye State from Mexico. The cartels are making meth a package deal with heroin to solidify a new customer base among opioid users. Although touted as less dangerous, Ohio’s meth-related overdose fatalities rose from 233 in 2016 to 526 in 2017. The popularity of meth continues to increase, with the state crime lab logging over 7,400 meth cases so far this year. This is only about 600 cases less than the total amount of fentanyl, heroin and carfentanil cases Ohio has processed this year. It also appears that efforts to decrease opioid addiction in neighboring Kentucky have pushed more individuals to meth use in the Bluegrass State as well.

Nationwide, over 30% of opioid users in 2017 said they used meth also. This number has increased by more than 100% since 2011. Similarly, within the past five years, the amount of meth confiscated in the U.S. has increased by 300%.

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