Citation

Darke S, Kaye S, McKetin R, Duflou J. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2008; 27(3): 253-262.

Affiliation

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1080/09595230801923702

PMID

18368606

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.

Language: en