What happened to methamphetamine-related deaths while fentanyl deaths declined?

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While fentanyl deaths dropped from over 76,000 in 2023 to just over 48,000 in 2024 (a 36.8% decline), deaths involving stimulants like methamphetamine increased from 29,456 to 37,096. This reveals a critical pattern: the crisis isn't ending—it's changing shape. The Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels now manufacture nearly all meth sold in the U.S., and DEA reports it's purer and more potent than in past years. Nearly all meth is made in Mexico now. While weakened fentanyl potency drove the national decline, stimulant deaths continue rising, particularly as users encounter meth mixed with fentanyl or the veterinary sedative xylazine. The uneven progress means different drug threats require different responses.

What happened to methamphetamine-related deaths while fentanyl deaths declined?

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