The use of meth among drug users in the US now accounts for more incidents of drug use than heroin, pot and cocaine combined.

A study by the National Association of Counties surveyed 500 counties in 44 states and came to the startling conclusion.

“You’d be surprised how many people in your neighborhood are probably just using. It would amaze you. It doesn’t matter who it is once you do it you do it,” said Mary, a recovering addict interviewed by KSLA TV, who reported the study.

On a positive note, the chemicals required to make meth have come under heavier official restrictions in their distribution (Sudafed for example).

The issue here is of course, the (still) comparative easy availability of the ingredients of the drug (not to mention the cheap prices for a hit - as low as $25). Unfortunately for those who would see it banned, these ingredients, no matter how many restrictions, will still continue to be more readily available than opium or coca.

While officials might point to their increasing restriction, there is no prospect of eliminating the ingredients required for Meth as they have many legitimate uses in society.

And so we are left with an increasing incidence of Meth use that in reality shows little sign of either slowing or succeptibility to being slowed.

Update: This post sparked a few people to point out that the stats of the NAC are wildly different to most other sources on the comparative use of Meth to other drugs - something I should have pointed out in the original post - my bad.