Methamphetamine use: hazards and social influences

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Substance Abuse Research

Background:

• Methamphetamine (a central nervous system stimulant) use saw a notable rise in the U.S. during the 1990s.
• Production was relatively simple, involving entrepreneurs and syndicates, facilitating its spread.
• Increased use was concentrated in western, midwestern, and southern regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in methamphetamine use and its consequences in the United States during the early to mid-1990s.
• To identify demographic shifts in methamphetamine users.
• To evaluate the existing policy response and propose alternative strategies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) for hospitalizations and medical examiner reports.
• Examination of Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) admissions for primary methamphetamine abuse.
• Review of demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with methamphetamine use.

Main Results:

• Short-stay hospital patients reporting methamphetamine use more than tripled between 1991 and 1994.
• Methamphetamine-related deaths nearly tripled during the same period.
• Treatment admissions for primary methamphetamine abuse increased by 43 percent.
• While still prevalent among young, low-income, white males, use expanded to more diverse populations and regions.

Conclusions:

• Methamphetamine use presented a growing public health challenge in the 1990s, with significant increases in related health crises.
• Socioeconomic factors, particularly in rural areas, may have contributed to its appeal.
• A shift from a "war on drugs" policy to a public health approach, including prevention and harm reduction, is advocated.