Methamphetamines Flashcards
What are methamphetamines?
central nervous system stimulant derived from amphetamine
What is the main effect of methamphetamine?
increased levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin (feelings of euphoria, alertness, and increased energy)
Methamphetamine is in which drug schedule
Schedule II - high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological dependence
Meth is the ____ leading cause of overdose deaths in the US and emergency room visits
Second
Who most frequently uses meth?
white males with lower than average income
slightly higher in minority populations of color
gay men
Reported positive effects
increased concentration
decreased fatigue
increased libido
improved cognition
enhanced sexual experience
Associated Harm
meth users are more likely to experience sever medical and psychiatric consequences such as
- worsen progression of autoimmune diseases
- degraded physical and social functioning
Withdrawal Symptoms include
anhedonia (overall lack of pleasure)
irritability
fatigue
Long-Term issues
Profound neuropsychological deficits:
- impaired impulse control
- impaired working memory
- psychosis
- impaired reward-circuitry
Physical deterioration
- premature aging
- dental problems
Associated Impairment in Social Cognition
impaired theory of mind (reading social cues)
impaired facial recognition
Risk factors for Methamphetamine Induced Psychosis
polysubstance abuse
affective disorders (MDD, BPD) or antisocial personality disorder
sleep deprivation
Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction
contingency management - effective in reducing use for special (minority) populations that are impacted by use
pharmacotherapy
