Methamphetamine Use: A New Wave in the Opioid Crisis?

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The United States faces a severe drug crisis, with opioid overdose deaths prominent.
• Methamphetamine use is increasing, frequently alongside opioids or fentanyl.
• Concurrent use of methamphetamine and opioids like heroin is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review potential medications for treating stimulant use disorders.
• To identify promising treatments for early methamphetamine recovery.
• To address the lack of FDA-approved medications for methamphetamine use disorder.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on medications for stimulant use disorders.
• Analysis of treatment responses in patients with methamphetamine use.
• Assessment of medication efficacy for early recovery stages.

Main Results:

• Long-acting naltrexone, bupropion, and mirtazapine show promise for light-to-moderate methamphetamine users.
• Individual responses to these medications vary.
• Naloxone kits are recommended for all stimulant users due to high adulteration risks.

Conclusions:

• While no definitive treatments exist, certain medications may aid early methamphetamine recovery.
• Personalized treatment approaches are necessary.
• Harm reduction strategies, including naloxone, are vital for patients using adulterated stimulants.