Major physical and psychological harms of methamphetamine use.

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.