Methamphetamine Use in Arizona Reaches All-Time High in People Who Use Fentanyl, Adding Fuel to the Fentanyl Crisis

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coming off the heels of the recent $850 million in funding secured to prevent fentanyl from entering Arizona¹ and as the state continues to grapple with this ongoing crisis, a dangerous trend in the co-use of methamphetamine has emerged that may significantly impact an already challenging situation. According to Millennium Health’s Signals Report™ for Arizona, a staggering 79% of urine drug test specimens collected in 2023 from those who used fentanyl also contained methamphetamine, an increase of 2,024% since 2013.

Methamphetamine positivity rates among people who use fentanyl for five of the most-populated counties in 2023 were:

• Mohave County – 88%
• Pinal County – 81%
• Maricopa County – 80%
• Yavapai County – 71%
• Pima County – 63%

“The striking increases we’re seeing in methamphetamine use among people who use fentanyl adds a new layer of complexity to the fight,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Angela G. Huskey, PharmD, CPE. “Consistent with national trends, the overwhelming majority of people in Arizona who use fentanyl engage in polysubstance use—now mostly involving the use of methamphetamine—which creates unique treatment challenges.”

Additional information regarding current drug use trends can be found here.

About Millennium Health

Millennium Health is an accredited specialty laboratory with over 15 years of experience in drug testing. We provide objective information about patients’ recent use of prescription medications and/or illicit drugs which helps clinicians monitor and treat millions of Americans living with chronic pain, substance use disorders, mental health disorders or other health conditions. Our ability to monitor drug use trends allows us to alert clinicians, health agencies and others to real-time drug use changes to help inform more targeted drug overdose prevention and response strategies to save lives.

Reference

1. Office of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. (Kelly Secures Funding to Strengthen Border Security, Enhance Military Readiness, Support Workforce Programs, and More in Final Annual Government Funding Package). https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-secures-funding-to-strengthen-border-security-enhance-military-readiness-support-workforce-programs-and-more-in-final-annual-government-funding-package/ Published March 23, 2024. Accessed March 27, 2024.