Contemporary patterns of methamphetamine use and misuse: neurotoxicity, dependency, and societal burden

Background: Methamphetamine use has surged in recent decades, posing significant threats to neurological health and societal stability. Its highly addictive nature, low cost, and widespread availability have led to a global public health concern. Objective: This review aims to explore the contemporary patterns of methamphetamine use and misuse, with a focus on its neurotoxic mechanisms, dependency risks, and the social and economic burdens it imposes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed sources from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies from the past two decades on methamphetamine-related neurobiology, epidemiology, and public health outcomes. Results: Methamphetamine induces severe oxidative stress, dopaminergic neurodegeneration, and long-lasting cognitive impairment. Dependence is reinforced by rapid dopamine release and neuroadaptive changes in reward circuitry. Societal consequences include increased rates of crime, psychiatric comorbidities, infectious disease transmission, and economic loss. Despite ongoing research, there is still no FDA-approved pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Conclusion: The global rise in methamphetamine misuse necessitates urgent attention to neurobiological, therapeutic, and policy-level interventions. Public health strategies must prioritize early prevention, harm reduction, and the development of evidence-based treatments.