N.I.D.A. Drug Alert Bulletin-METHAMPHETAMINE

A highly toxic and addictive drug called methamphetamine is now being used in many areas of the country. A number of indicators, including those from the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA) Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) and a new Multi-site Assessment of Methamphetamine Use, is clearly showing that this drug, once dominant in the West, is now spreading throughout the Midwest and into other areas of the country and emerging in cities and rural settings thought previously to be "untouched." Not only is it spreading to new areas, but its use is increasing among populations not previously known to use this drug.

The sum of our research shows that methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant associated with serious health conditions, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and potential heart and neurological damage. It also contributes to increased transmission of infectious diseases, especially hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

To date, there are no safe and tested medications for treating methamphetamine addiction, although there are several behavioral treatments (such as individual and group counseling) that are showing positive results. NIDA supported researchers are working to develop effective medications to treat this addiction, as well as new methamphetamine antidotes for use by emergency room physicians to treat methamphetamine-related overdoses.

What follows in this Community Drug Alert Bulletin is a condensed version of some of the latest scientific information on methamphetamine that we hope will be of assistance to you and your community. As new research emerges, NIDA will continue to make every effort to disseminate these findings to you in a timely manner. We thank you in advance for taking the time to become better informed about this national public health problem.

Sincerely,

Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D.
Director