Citation

Sommers I, Baskin D, Baskin-Sommers A. Addict. Behav. 2005; 31(8): 1469-1476.

Affiliation

California State University-Los Angeles, School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.addbeh.2005.10.004

PMID

16309848

Abstract

The current research analyzed the relationship between methamphetamine use and health and social outcomes. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 106 respondents. Virtually all of the respondents experienced negative consequences of methamphetamine use. The most serious, but least prevalent, methamphetamine-related health problem was seizures and convulsions. The most prevalent health effect was weight loss. A substantial number of respondents experienced severe psychological symptoms: depression, hallucinations, and paranoia. Of the 106 respondents, 34.9% had committed violence while under the influence of methamphetamine. The data suggest that methamphetamine-based violence was more likely to occur within private domestic contexts, both family and acquaintance relationships. It is apparent from the findings that methamphetamine use heightens the risk for negative health, psychological, and social outcomes. Having said this, it is crucial to acknowledge that there was no evidence of a single, uniform career path that all chronic methamphetamine users follow. Furthermore, a significant number of sample members experienced limited or no serious social, psychological, or physical dysfunction as a result of their methamphetamine use.