Premium
Major physical and psychological harms of methamphetamine use
Author(s) -
DARKE SHANE,
KAYE SHARLENE,
McKETIN REBECCA,
DUFLOU JOHAN
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/09595230801923702
Subject(s) - methamphetamine , anxiety , psychiatry , psychosis , public health , depression (economics) , psychology , medicine , psychological dependence , clinical psychology , drug , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Issues . The major physical and psychological health effects of methamphetamine use, and the factors associated with such harms. Approach . Comprehensive review. Key Findings . Physical harms reviewed included toxicity and mortality, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular pathology, dependence and blood‐borne virus transmission. Psychological harms include methamphetamine psychosis, depression, suicide, anxiety and violent behaviours. Implications . While high‐profile health consequences, such as psychosis, are given prominence in the public debate, the negative sequelae extend far beyond this. This is a drug class that causes serious heart disease, has serious dependence liability and high rates of suicidal behaviours. Conclusion . The current public image of methamphetamine does not portray adequately the extensive, and in many cases insidious, harms caused.