PHOENIX — On an exceptionally hot day during what has been recorded as the hottest June in Phoenix, a 38-year-old man collapsed beneath a freeway overpass, and a 41-year-old woman was discovered slumped outside a local business. Both had reportedly used methamphetamine prior to their deaths, highlighting a dangerous intersection between rising temperatures and stimulant use.
Recent analyses indicate a growing trend in heat-related fatalities associated with meth use across the United States. According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methamphetamine was present in approximately 20% of heat-related deaths in recent years. In states like Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and California, the presence of the drug has been noted in nearly a third of heat-related deaths recorded this year.
Interestingly, meth has become more prevalent in these fatalities when compared to the opioid fentanyl. As a stimulant, methamphetamine raises body temperatures, impairs the brain’s ability to regulate heat, and poses additional risks for heart health during extreme temperatures. Experts warn that while alcohol and opioids can also worsen heat effects, meth presents the greatest danger.
The rising preference for meth may be linked to the increasing dominance of a synthetic version produced by Mexican drug cartels, which has overshadowed the domestic varieties that inspired shows like “Breaking Bad.” This cheaper variant, often smoked through glass pipes, is easily accessible to users.
Simultaneously, climate change has intensified heat-related health risks in major urban areas like Phoenix and Las Vegas. This summer has been marked as the hottest ever recorded, with Phoenix experiencing 113 consecutive days of extreme heat, including a record high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius) in late September. This trend has continued into October, with official warnings of excessive heat persisting.
Experts explain that just as putting on a jacket in a cold environment can elevate body temperature, those utilizing stimulants in hot conditions cannot easily shed the “meth jacket.” Tragically, fatalities from meth use are particularly concentrated in the Southwest, where overdose rates have surged since the mid-2000s.
In Maricopa County, known as one of the hottest metropolitan areas in the U.S., around two-thirds of the 645 heat-related deaths recorded last year involved drugs, including meth, alcohol, and certain prescription medications. Meth was identified in roughly 75% of these drug-related cases and was often a primary cause of death, with fentanyl present in just under half.
In Pima County, which encompasses Tucson, meth was involved in one-quarter of the heat-related deaths reported this year. Las Vegas has also reported a significant number of heat-related fatalities tied to drugs, with meth identified in about 75% of those cases.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration points out that 31% of all drug-related deaths are now linked to stimulants, primarily methamphetamine. Preliminary data suggests that over 17,000 individuals died from stimulant-related overdoses in the first half of 2023.
While opioids like fentanyl are often thought to be the main contributors to overdose deaths, overdose can also occur with meth, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. Elevated heart rates and blood pressure related to meth can lead to severe cardiovascular events.
Medical professionals have noted that typical physiological responses to heat are significantly affected by meth use. Doctors at emergency services report that most patients they treat for heat stroke during the summer have a history of drug use, predominantly methamphetamine.
Due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, Phoenix serves as a key location where large quantities of smuggled meth are processed for distribution. Narcotics investigators emphasize the extensive volume of the drug entering the area, which is both consistent in supply and low in cost.
Many dealers target vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless, who are seen as an easy customer base. Individuals living on the streets often resort to stimulants to remain alert, avoiding the risk of theft while they sleep.
In response to the rising concern, public health officials have circulated information in community centers addressing the dangers posed by stimulant use during periods of extreme heat. However, access to these resources may be limited for drug users, who might feel unwelcome in some centers.
Advocates for harm reduction suggest creating more inclusive environments that do not require drug abstinence, allowing those most at risk to seek refuge and support during the hottest times of the day.
