Methamphetamine Abuse: Psychological and Vocational Implications

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Methamphetamine AbusePsychological
andVocational Implications

• David M. Freed, Ph.D.
• 1180 Cross Street SE
• Salem, OR 97302
• 503-362-9357

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Common Drugs of Abuse

• Nicotine
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Heroin
• Prescription pain-killers
• Anxiolytics

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Impact of Substance Abuse

• Duration of abuse
• Frequency of abuse
• Intensity of abuse (dosage)
• Route of administration
• Previous psychological problems
• Prior level of functioning
• Motivation and available support

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Methamphetamine Routes of Administration

• Eating
• Snorting
• Smoking
• Injecting

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Acute Physiological Effects of Methamphetamines

• Hyperactivity
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Sleeplessness, restlessness
• Weight loss and lack of appetite

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Acute Psychological Effects of Methamphetamines

• Euphoria
• Impulsivity and irritability
• Aggression and violence
• Suspiciousness and severe paranoia
• Tactile and auditory hallucinations

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Clinical Markers of Severe Methamphetamine Abuse

• Scabs and sores
• Weight loss
• Restlessness
• Tactile hallucinations
• Dental problems

• Paranoia
• Irrational behavior
• Aggression
• Legal issues
• Vocational issues

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Acute and Post-AcuteWithdrawal Symptoms

• Powerful cravings
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Irritability
• Disrupted sleep
• Attention and memory

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Consequences of Long-Term Methamphetamine Abuse

• Depression
• Weight gain
• Cognitive impairments
• Erratic employment
• Disrupted relationships
• Criminal lifestyle/Incarceration
• Relapse

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Patterns of Abuse

• Party-central
• Self-medication of ADHD symptoms
• PTSD Feel no pain (for now)
• Dependency and follow along use
• Criminalized lifestyle (gangs, firearms,
  distribution)

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Possible Treatment Approaches

• Law enforcement approaches
• Increase availability of substance abuse
  treatment
• Methamphetamine-specific treatments
• Prevention and education (future users)
• Social reform (eliminate causes of abuse)

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Vocational Considerations for Recovery from Meth
Abuse

• Support substance abuse treatment
• Identify threats to sustained recovery
• Identify and treat other conditions
• Positive attitude and motivation
• Build healthy habits
• Skill building (e.g., communication)
• Education and training