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The methamphetamine (meth) problem is increasing in regions around the world. As the most widely manufactured amphetamine-type stimulant, it is the second most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. Outside of governmental sources, few studies have examined international meth patterns and trends. An analysis of secondary sources, including governmental and media reports, was conducted to examine recent shifts occurring internationally. Meth serves as an example of a global issue that continues to evolve and change over time. Recent indicators such as seizure statistics suggest that the problem is becoming complex and expansive. Manufacturing and trafficking activities are emerging in new areas and shifts in drug-related activities are occurring within and between countries around the world. This review describes global trends and changes in the problem internationally since 2010. The limitations of available sources of information are discussed.

This article examines illicit drug use from a decision-making perspective using data collected during 2000-2002 from 51 current and ex-users of marijuana in a large urban city in the central/southwest United States. A qualitative inductive approach based on grounded theory guided the analyses. We find that prior to experimentation and use, decision-making processes are general and nonspecific. In the later stages of drug involvement, decision-making processes become drug-specific. Individuals consider a number of different types of factors when making decisions about illicit drug use involvement. The study's implications and limitations are discussed and future research suggested.

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