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[Clinical features of recent methamphetamine abusers: comparison between smoking abusers and injection abusers]
1Kanagawa Prefectural Center of Psychiatry, Serigaya Hospital.
Summary
Recent methamphetamine (MAP) abusers who smoke it may experience quicker psychosis and loss of control compared to injection abusers. This study highlights differences in clinical features and substance abuse patterns between smoking and injection MAP users.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Investigated clinical features of recent methamphetamine (MAP) abusers in Japan.
- Compared two primary MAP administration methods: smoking versus injection.
- Utilized data from 67 patients (31 smoking, 36 injection abusers) treated between June 1997 and November 1998.
Observation:
- Injection abusers showed higher rates of polysubstance abuse (organic solvents), criminal records, lower education, and parental alcoholism.
- Smoking abusers were more likely to use cannabis and had backgrounds similar to the general population.
- Smoking abusers reported less control over MAP use and faster onset of acute psychotic symptoms.
Findings:
- No significant differences in acute intoxication psychotic symptoms, though injection abusers reported more auditory hallucinations initially.
- Prolonged/chronic psychosis rates were similar, but injection abusers required higher neuroleptic doses.
- Families of smoking abusers engaged more in treatment programs, yet rehabilitation prognosis did not differ significantly between groups.
Implications:
- The introduction of smokable MAP in Japan may have generated a distinct profile of abuser.
- Smokable MAP appears more strongly associated with loss of control and acute psychosis development.
- Findings suggest a need for targeted interventions for emerging patterns of methamphetamine abuse.