NCJ Number
173418
Date Published
October 1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This condensed version of some of the latest scientific information on methamphetamine addresses its characteristics, trends in use, user characteristics, symptoms of use, prevention, and treatment.
Abstract
A number of indicators, including those from the National Institute on Drug Abuse's Community Epidemiology Work Group and a new multi-site assessment of methamphetamine use, shows that this drug, once dominant in the West, is now spreading throughout the Midwest and into other areas of the country, emerging in cities and rural settings thought previously to be "untouched." Not only is it spreading to new areas, but its use is increasing among populations not previously known to use this drug. Research shows that methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant associated with serious health conditions, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and potential heart and neurological damage. It also contributes to the increased transmission of infectious diseases, especially hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Users show signs of agitation, excited speech, decreased appetites, and increased physical activity levels. Other common symptoms of use are dilated pupils, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated body temperature. Effective prevention begins with an assessment of the specific nature of the drug problem within the local community and adapting the program accordingly. To date, there are no safe and tested medications for treating methamphetamine addiction, although there are several behavioral treatments, such as individual and group counseling, that are showing positive results. Researchers supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse are working to develop effective medications to treat this addiction, as well as new methamphetamine antidotes for use by emergency room physicians to treat methamphetamine-related overdoses.