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Methamphetamine: Putting the Brakes on SpeedJacob P. Gettig, PharmD, BCPS, is assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy in Downers Grove, IL
Sarah E. Grady, PharmD, BCPS, is associate professor of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy in Downers Grove, IL
Izabella Nowosadzka is a PharmD candidate at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy in Downers Grove, IL In only recent history, illicit use of methamphetamine, once isolated to urban areas on the West Coast, has spread into rural areas of the Midwest and southern United States. Although past and current methamphetamine legislation has increased penalties for methamphetamine manufacturers and tightened restrictions on sales of known precursors, the problem still persists. In fact, a 2004 survey indicates that an alarming 6.2% of high school seniors have tried methamphetamine. A number of biological, genetic, and environmental factors influence childrens and adolescents paths to substance abuse. Nurses should recognize the symptoms of methamphetamine abuse, which include agitation; aggressive behavior; rapid mood swings; hypertension; tachycardia; and eventually lesion-marked skin, clinical depression, and paranoid psychosis. Treatment for methamphetamine addiction includes behavioral therapy. Research on pharmacologic therapy is lacking. Educating youth on methamphetamine prevention appears to be the best approach to curb the spreading use of this addictive and deadly drug.
Key Words: drug addiction illicit substance methamphetamine substance abuse
The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 22, No. 2,
66-73 (2006) |
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