Major physical and psychological harms of methamphetamine use

Abstract

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.