In Phoenix, July Doesn't Just Feel Deadlier for Meth Use. The Numbers Say It Actually Is.

Maricopa County's overdose rate roughly doubles every July compared to January — and public health officials say methamphetamine is doing most of the damage, for a reason that has nothing to do with the drug's usual risks.

Maricopa County's deadliest overdose month is consistently July, driven by methamphetamine's effect on the body's ability to regulate heat. Here's the mechanism and what actually helps.