47421 Methamphetamine Use

Course overview

Discussion of methamphetamine use, including what it is, its effects, how it is taken, how use is treated, and issues in treatment and relapse. Methamphetamine use and abuse is a major health concern, and over the last decade, there has been an increase in methamphetamine use in the United States and worldwide. Between the years 2011-2017, overdose death rates involving methamphetamine quadrupled. Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, and has multiple negative short- and long-term health effects, including heart attack, stroke, being at increased risk for contracting infectious diseases, severe dental problems, and cognitive issues. Long-term methamphetamine use causes changes in the brains dopamine system that may contribute to reduced coordination, impaired verbal learning, and issues related to emotion and memory, some of which may be irreversible for a long period of time. Individuals using methamphetamine may present for medical care related to acute problems secondary to an overdose, and healthcare workers must be able to quickly recognize individuals who may be using methamphetamine in order to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment. This program discusses what methamphetamine is, its effects, how it is taken, how methamphetamine use is treated, and issues in treatment and relapse.