Methamphetamine Market Size (2025-2030)

The Global Methamphetamine Market was valued at USD 628.38 million in 2024 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 881.34 million by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7%.   

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a white, odourless powder that easily dissolves in alcohol or water. It was first synthesized from amphetamine and initially found uses in nasal decongestants and inhalers. Methamphetamine causes effects such as increased activity, talkativeness, loss of appetite, and a euphoric feeling of well-being. Methamphetamine has a more destructive effect on the brain, is more potent, and creates more extensive and damaging effects on the central nervous system when compared to amphetamine. These characteristics render methamphetamine extremely vulnerable to widespread abuse and addiction. Methamphetamine, swallowed, snorted, or injected, causes a strong high and intense effect. Methamphetamine users experience extreme energy and euphoria, falsely believing it allows them to sustain activity. Continued use, though, results in extreme physical and neurological harm. Side effects of methamphetamine intake include palpitations, hypertension, increased respiration, and sedation, headaches, blurred vision, dry mouth, and experiencing dizziness.

Key Market Insights:

• In 2022, global seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) remained at historically high levels, indicating a persistent and widespread issue.
• An international operation coordinated by INTERPOL in 2024 led to record seizures of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine, valued at approximately USD 1.05 billion.
• In 2022, nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred, with approximately 30% involving methamphetamine and other synthetic stimulants.
• In 2023, the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths decreased by 2.9% for males and 5.7% for females compared to 2022. In 2022, nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred, with approximately 30% involving methamphetamine and other synthetic stimulants.

Global Methamphetamine Market Drivers:

The pleasurable effects of methamphetamine are fueling the growth of the Global Methamphetamine Market.

Methamphetamine is typically consumed by smoking, snorting, injecting, or oral intake. Smoking or injecting methamphetamine gives an immediate and intense feeling of exhilaration, snorting causes a euphoric high in minutes, and oral intake takes 15-20 minutes to take effect. The effects of the drug last for hours, with clearance from the body taking up to 4 days. Methamphetamine is also desired because it produces pleasurable effects, including increased alertness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, and enhanced feelings of well-being. The drug's pleasurable effects are attributed to the release of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and feelings of pleasure. Methamphetamine differs from other stimulants in that it is not altered in the body for a longer period, thus prolonging its stimulant effects. Thus, this aspect drives the demand for methamphetamine.

The increasing demand for methamphetamine as a medication for ADHD is another factor contributing to the growth of the Global Methamphetamine Market.

Methamphetamine hydrochloride, otherwise referred to as Desoxyn is a drug that has been prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It acts by changing the amounts of certain natural chemicals found within the brain. Methamphetamine falls under the drug category of stimulants. Its intended effect is to improve one's ability to focus, stay attentive to tasks, and control behavioural problems. Additionally, Desoxyn can assist with organizing tasks and improving listening skills. Thus, this factor also drives the demand for methamphetamine.

Global Methamphetamine Market Restraints and Challenges:

Methamphetamine poses a substantial risk of misuse and dependency. It promptly develops tolerance, and psychological addiction can form relatively quickly. 

The Worldwide Methamphetamine Market is facing problems, mostly of dependence and addiction. Methamphetamine carries a high potential for abuse and dependence. Methamphetamine quickly produces tolerance, and psychological dependence may develop relatively soon. Because of how methamphetamine affects levels of dopamine within the brain, methamphetamine is extremely addictive. Upon using the drug, dopamine remains in the brain synapses for prolonged times, causing intense feelings of euphoria. With time, the body will no longer be able to make dopamine naturally, and it starts to rely on the drug for normalcy. More and more doses are taken to attain the desirable pleasurable outcome. Therefore, such challenges halt the development of the Global Methamphetamine Market.

Global Methamphetamine Market Opportunities:

Market growth strategies have a profitable opportunity in the Global Methamphetamine Market. Demand for Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride) is rising due to increasing uses in specific medical conditions like ADHD, exogenous obesity, and narcolepsy. Companies that specialize in making Desoxyn can achieve significant gains from this venture by expanding their product lines to countries with a greater prevalence of such conditions, including Spain, France, Northern Ireland, and Mexico. With this expansion, companies can expand their market and generate a significant boost in their overall income.

METHAMPHETAMINE MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Methamphetamine Market Segmentation:

Methamphetamine Market Segmentation: By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Smoking
• Snorting
• Injecting

The methamphetamine market is divided according to the method of use into oral, smoking, snorting, and injection, which impact potency, duration, and health consequences differently. Oral use is found in prescribed medications such as Desoxyn (prescription methamphetamine) for the treatment of ADHD and obesity. Smoking methamphetamine, frequently in crystal form ("crystal meth"), produces a very powerful and fast high and is one of the most abused ways. Snorting provides quick effects but is weaker compared to smoking, and injecting provides the quickest and strongest effects and is most likely to lead to addiction and related health issues. The market is driven by regulatory limitations, increasing drug abuse, and demand for medical-quality methamphetamine in restricted healthcare environments. The Oral segment held the largest market share in 2022. The growth is attributed to the convenience, non-invasiveness, and affordability of the oral route of administration of Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride) drugs. The drugs are taken orally in tablet form to treat the medical conditions of ADHD, exogenous obesity, and narcolepsy. For people with ADHD, it aids in enhancing attention and reducing impulsive and hyperactive actions. For obese individuals, it aids in curbing appetite. For people with narcolepsy, it aids in increasing alertness and reducing drowsiness during the day.

Methamphetamine Market Segmentation: By Application

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obesity
• Narcolepsy
• Others

The international market for methamphetamine is divided based on its use in different medical and non-medical applications. The major application of methamphetamine is in the therapy of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in which methamphetamine-derived drugs assist in enhancing concentration and minimizing hyperactivity among patients. In addition, it is utilized in controlling obesity since it can serve as an appetite suppressant, although its application in this field is strictly regulated because of possible side effects. It also has a major use in the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep-wake cycle neurological disorder where methamphetamine is used to maintain wakefulness. Apart from these, the market also has other uses, including off-label use and research-based medical uses, though rigorous controls regulate its distribution and use. The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) segment had the largest market share in 2022. The expansion is attributed to the increasing use of Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride) for the treatment of ADHD. Desoxyn functions by altering the levels of specific natural chemicals in the brain. Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug and is used to enhance concentration, assist with task focus, and treat behavioural issues related to ADHD. Desoxyn can also help organize tasks and improve listening.

Methamphetamine Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

The North American methamphetamine market remains one of the largest, driven by high consumption in the U.S. and Mexico. Increased production, trafficking, and public health concerns shape market dynamics, while strict regulations aim to curb illicit trade. Europe sees both regulated medical use and rising illicit supply, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, despite strong anti-trafficking efforts. Asia-Pacific dominates global production and consumption, with Myanmar, Thailand, and China as key players; large-scale seizures have increased, but demand remains high. South America is gradually entering the market, with trafficking routes emerging alongside traditional drug trades, mainly fueled by organized crime. The Middle East & Africa market is smaller but growing, as political instability and economic challenges create opportunities for synthetic drug trafficking. International cooperation and enforcement efforts are intensifying to control illegal trade.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Methamphetamine Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Global Methamphetamine Market. Due to strict lockdowns, travel bans, and physical distancing, demand for methamphetamine declined. International border closures impacted global supply chains, while physical distancing and enhanced policing interfered with local supply and procurement of illegal drugs. The pandemic has also affected the supply chain of the market, which has further delayed the prompt production and supply of methamphetamine. All these have been negative factors that affected the growth of the market.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) pointed to an alarming trend away from plant-based drugs toward man-made drugs such as methamphetamine. This shift has fueled the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history, with synthetic stimulants accounting for about 30% of drug overdose deaths in 2022. Myanmar's ongoing civil war has fueled methamphetamine production, especially in Shan and Kachin states. This has created new spillover trafficking into surrounding countries like Thailand, where a notable increase in the number of methamphetamine seizures has been reported. While fentanyl continues to be a serious issue in the U.S., Mexico witnessed an increase in the use of crystal meth, particularly among youth. The availability and affordability of the drug have fueled an escalating public health emergency, with treatment centres overwhelmed by an increasing number of methamphetamine users. In Adelaide, incidents are reported where children as old as 12 are accessing methamphetamine on social media sites. The developing trend highlights the difficulties in combating youth drug dependency by law enforcement and public health agencies. Syria has become a key production and distribution point for captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulant. The business is highly profitable, with the Assad regime allegedly implicated in its spread, creating regional security and public health issues.d The changes follow the changing methamphetamine market dynamics in 2024, with emphasis needed on concerted global measures to counter production, trafficking, and consumption issues.

 Key Players:

1. Mylan N.V.
2. Sigma-Aldrich
3. Abbott Alkaloidal Company
4. Recordati S.p.A.
5. Vernova L.P.
6. Key Therapeutics, LLC
7. Norac Pharma Inc.
8. Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
9. Ovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc.