Effects of methamphetamine abuse beyond individual users.
Since 1997, the use of methamphetamine as a drug of abuse has been widespread in the United States. While several forms of amphetamine are useful in some areas of medicine, methamphetamine as an abused substance is associated with severe and multifaceted consequences. Problems associated with the abuse of amphetamine and its derivatives such as methamphetamine have been well documented. As the manufacture and use of methamphetamine across the United States has increased, the impact of methamphetamine abuse has been felt beyond individual users; families as well as communities can be seriously affected. An increase in child neglect and violence as well as a lack of resources for health care, social services, and law enforcement because of methamphetamine abuse have been reported by many communities. This study examines the historical spread of methamphetamine misuse in the United States and the resulting individual, social, and environmental consequences. A public health perspective on family, community, and social aspects is offered, and ideas for future research and policy changes are explored.
Watanabe-Galloway
Shinobu
S
Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984395 University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4395, USA. swatanabe@unmc.edu
Ryan
Steve
S
Hansen
Katherine
K
Hullsiek
Brad
B
Muli
Victoria
V
Malone
A Cate
AC
D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity; D005107:Explosions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D016495:Police; D012940:Social Problems / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D008694:Methamphetamine