Psychiatric Emergency: Methamphetamine Abuse
A 28-year-old married mother of 2 with a history of depression is brought to the emergency department after 6 months of near-daily methamphetamine use.
For information on treatment of amphetamine related disorders, please refer to the articles at the end of this case.This case vignette illustrates some common features of patients presenting with methamphetamine dependence. Comorbidities are often present, with psychiatric comorbidites prominent throughout the addiction, and physical problems developing with persistent methamphetamine use.Although valiant efforts have been made to reduce access to the chemical precursors of methamphetamine, it is likely that methamphetamine use will remain accessible and inexpensive, and costs associated with increased use will continue to rise.This case is based on a Psychiatric Times article, "Treatment for Methamphetamine Dependence," by Kevin P. Hill, MD, MHS. Dr Hill is author of Marijuana: The Unbiased Truth about the World's Most Popular Weed (Hazelden, release date March 31, 2015). Twitter: @DrKevinHill.Also see: Intoxication With Street Drugs
