On top of soaring rates of use of meth and fentanyl individually, researchers say their analysis revealed the drugs are being used together in potentially lethal ways.
Jan. 3 -- A study of over 1 million urine drug tests from across the United States shows soaring rates of use of methamphetamines and fentanyl, often used together in potentially lethal ways.
The drug test results came primarily from clinics dealing with primary care, pain management or substance abuse disorders.
Similarly, the percentage of drug urine tests coming back positive for the highly potent -- and sometimes fatal -- opioid fentanyl have more than quadrupled since 2013, the study found.
And, too often, fentanyl is being taken in combination with meth or other illicit drugs.
One doctor on the front lines of the epidemic of drug abuse and overdose said the statistics are cause for alarm.
In some cases, psychotic symptoms can persist for months or even years after people have stopped using," he said. »