What makes methamphetamines such a concern?
Most of the health problems related to methamphetamine use occur amongst those who have become dependent on the drug. Risk factors for dependence include smoking, injecting and frequent use, especially in those taking pure forms that produce a more intense high. Over three quarters of dependent methamphetamine users experience serious mental health problems. The most common features are agitation or aggression, depression and anxiety, impaired concentration and motivation, and psychosis. These features sometimes, but not always, improve with abstinence. Approximately half of dependent users have poor physical health including insomnia, poor appetite, weight loss, palpitations, nasal problems (related to snorting) and injecting site abscesses. There is emerging evidence about the effect of methamphetamine use on cognitive functioning and memory. This has implications for prevention strategies, the design of health education programs and treatments. Methamphetamine-induced psychosis is o
