Why People Abuse Methamphetamine and Fentanyl: The Super Speedball

Bottom line up front: meth and fentanyl are being abused at an alarming rate. We all think we know why users are doing the “super speedball,” but now we have a study that lays out why they are abusing both drugs simultaneously.
~Keith Graves
Polydrug Use of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine: Unveiling the Complexities
The world of drug abuse is ever-changing and becoming increasingly complex, particularly with the rise of polydrug use involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. A recent study reveals interesting insights about the motivations, patterns, and ramifications of this deadly drug combination sometimes referred to as a “Super speedball.” The findings highlight a complex landscape that law enforcement officials must navigate, underscoring the importance of understanding these intricate dynamics.
Understanding the Motivations
Multiple factors contribute to the rise in fentanyl and methamphetamine co-use, reflecting a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and socioeconomic factors.
Alleviation of Withdrawal Symptoms
The study found that individuals dependent on opioids, such as fentanyl, often use methamphetamine to manage withdrawal symptoms. When individuals cannot access their opioid of choice, the availability and relatively lower cost of methamphetamine become attractive. It not only alleviates physical discomfort but also provides a mental distraction that seems to temporarily obscure the need for opioids.
Economic Factors and Availability
The rise of methamphetamine use among opioid users is also driven by its increasing availability and affordability. Many individuals who were indifferent or even reluctant to use methamphetamine ended up doing so simply because it was readily accessible, often freely offered by others in their social networks.
Diverse Patterns of Use
The study revealed diverse and complex patterns of polydrug use, which are not always dictated by personal preference but often influenced by the availability of the substances.
Sequential and Concurrent Use
Users exhibit a range of behaviors from sequential to concurrent use of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The choice often depends on factors such as managing opioid withdrawal, creating a desired balance of effects, or responding to availability of drugs. However, the order of drug use is critical as it was found to be significant in the prevention or reversal of opioid overdoses.
Reluctant and Indifferent Use
Interestingly, a prevalent theme emerged of 'reluctant' or 'indifferent' methamphetamine use. Despite negative or ambivalent feelings towards methamphetamine, individuals end up using it because of its pervasiveness, low cost, and its common occurrence in social scenarios.

The Role of Fentanyl
The potent nature of fentanyl adds another layer of complexity to this dynamic. The study suggests that the introduction of fentanyl into the drug market might have played a role in popularizing the combination of heroin and methamphetamine, possibly creating a more balanced high, or a 'super speedball', but further research is needed on this topic.
Challenges and Responses for Law Enforcement
The increasing prevalence of fentanyl and methamphetamine polydrug use presents significant challenges for law enforcement, including unpredictability of user behavior and the heightened risk of overdose deaths. These challenges underscore the importance of comprehensive strategies that go beyond traditional law enforcement tactics.
Need for Inter-agency Collaboration
Addressing the complexities of polydrug use requires collaborative efforts across different domains of law enforcement. Federal, state, and local agencies must work together to monitor trends, share intelligence, and coordinate responses.
Understanding the User Perspective
Gaining insights into the motivations and patterns of polydrug use can help law enforcement more effectively address the issue. Understanding why individuals turn to polydrug use, the contexts in which it occurs, and the effects it has on their behavior can inform both enforcement strategies and efforts to disrupt the supply of these drugs.
The rise of fentanyl and methamphetamine polydrug use is a complex issue with diverse motivations and patterns of use. Law enforcement agencies must recognize these complexities to develop effective strategies to address this evolving challenge.