The consequences of regular methamphetamine use in Tehran: qualitative content analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Methamphetamine use has significantly increased in Iran.
• This rise poses serious health and societal risks.
• Understanding these consequences is vital for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multifaceted consequences of regular methamphetamine use.
• Focus on adult users in Tehran.
• Identify both immediate and delayed adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• Conventional content analysis approach.
• In-depth interviews and observations with 20 regular adult methamphetamine users in Tehran.
• Snowball and purposeful sampling until data saturation.

Main Results:

• Identified three main categories of consequences: short-term (individual, social), long-term (psychological, physical, high-risk behaviors, memory decay, eating pattern changes), and hallucinations/delusions (visual, auditory, persecutory, supernatural).
• Short-term effects include individual and social impacts.
• Long-term effects encompass psychological and physical deterioration, risky behaviors, memory loss, and altered eating habits.

Conclusions:

• Regular methamphetamine use has detrimental effects on individual health and society.
• Educational programs targeting high-risk groups are essential.
• Raising awareness about short- and long-term consequences can help change attitudes and mitigate harm.