An ethnographic exploration of self-reported violence among rural methamphetamine users.
Baseline and follow-up qualitative interviews with methamphetamine users in rural Kentucky and Arkansas examined their involvement in drug-related violence. Twelve baseline participants reported methamphetamine-related violence, whereas 20 reported violence linked to other substances. In follow-up interviews conducted 12 to 24 months later, four participants reported methamphetamine-related violence and three reported violence associated with other substances. Violence was rarely directly attributed to methamphetamine's psychoactive effects. Rather, violence was associated with disputes over methamphetamine or its use, paranoia, ill-tempers, and hallucinations during methamphetamine "binges." Implications of the findings for additional research and interventions are discussed.
Sexton
Rocky L
RL
Department of Community Health, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA. rocky.sexton@wright.edu
Carlson
Robert G
RG
Leukefeld
Carl G
CG
Booth
Brenda M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001131:Arkansas / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine