Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction: A Review of Guidelines [Internet]

Excerpt

Methamphetamine is a recreational drug of abuse synthesized illegally in laboratories using a variety of ingredients of over-the-counter medications, including ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. The Canadian government introduced regulations in 2006 to move the ephedrine-containing products behind the pharmacy counter in order to limit access to the precursor chemicals. Methamphetamine is often sold in powder, crystal or tablet formulations and can be inhaled, ingested, smoked, or injected after mixing with water. In Canada, the prevalence of methamphetamine use is about 0.2% of the population. However, there was a 590% increase in the number of methamphetamine-possession incidents between 2010 and 2017. Methamphetamine has a long half-life of 12 hours and the altered mental state can last up to 12 hours depending on the route of administration. Short-term effects associated with its use include alertness, decreased appetite, headache, dizziness, increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Longer-term effects may include psychotic symptoms such as violent behaviour, paranoia, and hallucinations. Extreme itching, mood swings, memory loss, and insomnia are also the potential long-term effects. Across Canada, the prevalence of lifetime methamphetamine use is higher for males than for females. The withdrawal effect of amphetamine can include intense craving, tiredness, anxiety, depression. The objective of this report is to summarize evidence-based guidelines regarding treatment immediately after acute detoxification and post-treatment care for patients with methamphetamine addiction.