Back With a Vengeance: The Reappearance of Methamphetamine and its Implications for Health Care Providers

Abstract

A great deal of attention has been placed on the opioid epidemic that the United States is currently experiencing; however, a resurgence in methamphetamine (METH) use has been occurring during the past 5 years. METH is an addictive stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system by increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Ranking second to opioids, METH use has had a significant impact on mortality, morbidity, and health-related costs and remains a serious public health problem in the United States. Individuals who use METH often use an emergency department or community-based organization for health care. Therefore, nurses and other health care providers must be knowledgeable about the harmful physical and psychological health effects of METH.

Identifying barriers and facilitators for implementing harm reduction strategies for methamphetamine use into hospital settings

“…However, the need for a specialized team and patient concerns around trust have been previously reported by various medical staff and patients (39). There may also be discrepancies as the ED is focused on minimal follow-up whereas patients who use methamphetamine may require long-term care and support after discharge (40,41), therefore staff must be knowledgeable of resources for referral.…”

Sustained Recovery From Crystal Meth Use: A Consensual Qualitative Research Study

“…This study's findings suggest that recovery is a continuous process that needs to be further understood and clarified so that well‐targeted goals and interventions can be utilized during treatment. Notably, an individualized recovery process must be recognized because every client's experience in CM use is unique (Salani et al, 2020). Therefore, counselors should explore both internal and external factors to maintaining recovery, personal characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, values, and coping resources to help increase the selection of appropriate and relevant interventions that are better matched to the person in recovery.…”

“…CM is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system (Salani et al, 2020), leaves the user with intense cravings after discontinuing use (Rawson et al, 2002), and creates risk for heart disease and stroke (Lappin et al, 2017; Salani et al, 2020). Adding to these physical health concerns, CM use can also result in mental health concerns, including aggression, poor quality of life, and psychotic behaviors (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).…”