Dysphagia and Methamphetamine Use: Considerations for Speech-Language Pathologists

Abstract

Purpose: Methamphetamine use increases the risk of medical conditions that may cause oropharyngeal dysphagia. This tutorial describes what is known about methamphetamine's effects and draws connections to a speech-language pathologist's (SLP's) practice in dysphagia assessment and treatment with this population. Method: Methamphetamine's mechanism of action and prevalence of use are explored. Research in speech-language pathology and related fields such as dentistry, pharmacology, psychology, and public health provides insights into how this drug may impact oropharyngeal swallowing function and treatment participation. Conclusions: Methamphetamine can have a profound impact on the user's medical, cognitive, and psychosocial status. Although patients with a history of methamphetamine use are commonly seen by SLPs, there is a lack of direct research investigating potential implications of use on swallowing physiology and treatment progress. Future directions for research are discussed.