Methamphetamine Users Research Articles

Anxiety and depression among a community-recruited cohort of people who use methamphetamine: A longitudinal analysis.

This study (1) estimated changes in anxiety and depression throughout 3 years in a community-recruited cohort who use methamphetamine and (2) modelled whether these changes were associated with patterns of methamphetamine use or other time-varying or fixed covariates. We used a longitudinal analysis using data derived from surveys conducted between August 2016 and March 2020, set in metropolitan and rural locations in Victoria, Australia. Participants comprised a total of 849 adults with regular methamphetamine use history at baseline, recruited for the prospective VMAX study via snowball and respondent-driven sampling. Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 instruments. Frequency of methamphetamine use was measured by self-reported number of days per week participants used any form of methamphetamine in the past month. Changes in anxiety and depression symptom scores were associated with change in route of administration from non-injecting to injecting [adjusted coefficient (adj. coeff.) = 1.44, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.39, 2.48, adj. coeff. = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.39, 2.58], change in severity of dependence for methamphetamine (adj. coeff. = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.37, adj. coeff. = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.42), starting treatment for drugs other than methamphetamine (adj. coeff. = -2.21, 95% CI = -3.70, -0.73, adj. coeff. = -2.09, 95% CI = -3.60, -0.58) and other covariates. Among regular methamphetamine users in Australia, changes in anxiety or depression scores are associated with changes in route of administration, dependence severity and starting treatment for other drugs, but do not appear to be associated with frequency of methamphetamine use.

Comparative analysis of addiction severity index in methadone maintenance treatment: impact of concurrent methamphetamine use among patients in Rasht, Iran 2022–2023

ABSTRACT Introduction Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is widely used to manage opioid addiction, especially in Iran. Recent research highlights an increasing trend in methamphetamine use among individuals who are opioid-dependent and undergoing MMT. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in addiction severity between patients using both methadone and methamphetamine and those on methadone alone. Method This cross-sectional study took place at four MMT centers in Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran, from 2022–2023. Using convenience sampling, we selected participants aged 18 to 64 who had been receiving treatment at MMT centers for at least six months. Demographic data and Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores were collected for two groups: those using methadone alone and those also using methamphetamine. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 26, using a significance threshold of 0.05. Results Of the 140 participants, 120 were male and 20 female. The Mann–Whitney test found no significant differences in medical status between the groups across six domains. However, five other domains showed significantly lower ASI scores for the methadone-only group compared to the methamphetamine users. Conclusion Concurrent methamphetamine use with MMT may negatively impact functional and health outcomes, highlighting the need for non-pharmacological psycho-social treatments to help curb methamphetamine use in this population.

Aggression in a Cohort of Male Methamphetamine (METH) Users With and Without Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use History in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Methamphetamine (METH) consumption is associated with aggression. Decoction derived from the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf has been used as a METH substitute in Southeast Asia. Given its perceived benefit, we investigated the relationship between kratom use and aggression in a treatment sample of METH users with and without kratom use history. Four hundred and three male METH users participated in this cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire and several objective clinical measures were administered. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in aggression and its dimensions between METH users with and without kratom use history. However, two distinct Clusters (1 and 2) of METH users with kratom use history were studied. Users in Cluster 1 were characterized by a higher quantity and frequency of daily kratom use, longer duration of kratom use, and use of kratom at a younger age. Users in Cluster 2 exhibited the opposite characteristics. Kratom dependence and the first age of kratom use were identified as risk factors for aggression in Cluster 1. The frequency of daily kratom use appeared as a protective factor against aggression in Cluster 2. The results offer partial support to the instrumental kratom use concept; lower frequency (1 to 3 times) of kratom use may potentially minimize aggression in METH users presenting with mild to moderate kratom dependence.

Neuro-Immune Communication at the Core of Craving-Associated Brain Structural Network Reconfiguration in Methamphetamine Users

Methamphetamine (MA) use disorder is a chronic neurotoxic brain disease characterized by a high risk of relapse driven by intense cravings. However, the neurobiological signatures of cravings remain unclear, limiting the effectiveness of various treatment methods. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) scans from 62 MA users and 57 healthy controls (HC) were used in this study. The MA users were longitudinally followed up during their period of long-term abstinence (duration of long-term abstinence: 347.52±99.25 days). We systematically quantified the control ability of each brain region for craving-associated state transitions using network control theory from a causal perspective. Craving-associated structural alterations (CSA) were investigated through multivariate group comparisons and biological relevance analysis. The neural mechanisms underlying CSA were elucidated using transcriptomic and neurochemical analyses. We observed that long-term abstinence-induced structural alterations significantly influenced the state transition energy involved in the cognitive control response to external information, which correlated with changes in craving scores (r ∼ 0.35, P <0.01). Our causal network analysis further supported the crucial role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in craving mechanisms. Notably, while the PFC is central to the craving, the CSAs were distributed widely across multiple brain regions (PFDR<0.05), with strong alterations in somatomotor regions (PFDR<0.05) and moderate alterations in high-level association networks (PFDR<0.05). Additionally, transcriptomic, chemical compounds, cell-type analyses, and molecular imaging collectively highlight the influence of neuro-immune communication on human craving modulation. Our results offer an integrative, multi-scale perspective on unraveling the neural underpinnings of craving and suggest that neuro-immune signaling may be a promising target for future human addiction therapeutics.

Trends and patterns in pulmonary arterial hypertension-associated hospital admissions among methamphetamine users: a decade-long study.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, chronic, progressive form of pulmonary hypertension in which increased arterial pressure causes remodeling of the arterial system and is associated with heart failure. Methamphetamine is a stimulant that has recently become a focus in PAH research, but the recent trends and demographics of this cohort of patients are not known. The study aimed to analyze the overall trends and demographics of PAH patients with and without concurrent methamphetamine usage. The study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) from 2008 to 2020 to calculate nationally weighted estimates for both conditions by ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. We used several statistical measures, including descriptive statistics with design-based chi-square and t-tests, trend analysis with Cochran-Armitage test, generalized linear models, and other data preprocessing measures. A significant increase was evident in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and concurrent methamphetamine use (9.2-fold). Most of the hospitalized patients were males (59.16%), aged 41-64 (45.77%), White (68.64%), from the West (53.09%), with Medicaid (50.48%), and with median income <$25,000. The rate of increase over the period was higher for males (11.8-fold), race (not sure which race; please check and modify), aged 41-64 (11.3-fold), and in the South (15.1-fold). An overall adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for PAH hospitalizations among concurrent methamphetamine users was 32.19 (CI = 31.19-33.22) compared to non-users. With respective reference categories, the significantly higher PR was evident for males, patients aged 41-64, White, with Medicare, median income <$25,000, all regions compared to Northeast, length of hospital stays, and conditions, including chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and peripheral vascular disorders. This study reveals a national overall and demographic-specific trend of increasing PAH with concurrent methamphetamine usage and associated factors. The findings may help to understand the current patterns and identify the vulnerable sociodemographic cohorts for further research and to take appropriate policy measures.

Rare but relevant: Methamphetamine and Parkinson's disease.

Evidence from a number of paradigms suggests that methamphetamine use is associated with increased risk for the development of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism, and that it may be associated with the premature development of Parkinson's disease. Prevalence of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism is greater in both methamphetamine users and people who previously used methamphetamine, and evidence from animal studies provides a plausible mechanism for this observation. Despite this increased risk, Parkinson's disease is rarely diagnosed in methamphetamine users. Reasons for this may include under-detection, premature mortality, and individual and substance use characteristics which moderate the risk, including higher rates of smoking. Clinicians should be vigilant to signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism in methamphetamine users.

Identifying methamphetamine use predictors in HIV infection: Immune-dopaminergic signatures in peripheral leukocytes and the role of COMT genotype

The pursuit of translational biomarkers is complex due to the heterogeneous human pathophysiology, but critical for disease diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring therapeutic efficacy, and for patient stratification. In HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI), biomarkers that delineate the trajectory of neuropathogenesis and neurocognitive sequelae are critical, particularly considering confounders such as substance use, including Methamphetamine (METH). METH use is a significant health concern among persons living with HIV (PWH), aggravating cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation despite of antiretrovirals, introducing elements in the microenvironment that are fundamentally differerent in relation to non-METH users, such as high levels of dopamine (DA) affecting HIV-innate immune targets. Yet, current biomarkers do not detect these differences. We hypothesized that predefined DA-induced signatures detectable in peripheral blood leukocytes, can distinguish HIV+ METH users compared to HIV-negative or PWH that are non METH users. The elevated expression of CD8A, CREBBP, CCL5, and combinations of dopaminergic pathway transcripts clustered METH users with detectable CSF viral load and major depressive disorder (MDD), indicating neuroimmune-mechanistic links. Cathecol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms affecting DA metabolism improved the identification of PWH using METH with biomarkers. The results indicate that underlying immunedopaminergic mechanisms provide signatures and genotypes that can identify PWH that are METH users and their attributes.

Optimizing Brain-Computer Interfaces for Methampetamine Use Disorder through Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) and Transcranial Doppler Analysis: Article Review

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that allows a person to control external devices using only their brain activity. It works by translating brain signals into commands that can be understood by a computer. Several lines of evidence demonstrated the deleterious effect of methamphetamine (MA) on neurological and psychological functions. The use of amphetamines, such as MA, is associated with cerebrovascular complications such as cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) ,hemorrhage, hypoxic damage and vasculitis. Interestingly, while changes to cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to acute amphetamine exposure have been reported. Transcranial Color Doppler (TCCD) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to measure blood flow velocity in the major arteries of the brain, specifically within the circle of Willis. The research paper you referenced explores the use of TCCD as a potential measurement modality for BCIs. Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) is a powerful tool for understanding brain function qEEG can reveal specific brain wave patterns associated with drug addiction, potentially providing insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse risk in Methamphetamine User Disorder (MUD). There is growing research interest in using Transcranial dopller as a measurement modality for BCIs.Here are some of the key considerations for using Transcranial doppler in BCIs: Mental Tasks, signal processing and classification, accuracy and reliability. Transcranial doppler provides information about blood flow in specific arteries but lacks detailed spatial information about brain activity. These patterns could vary depending on the type of drug, the severity of addiction, and individual differences. Transcranial doppler in measuring middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity parameters (peak systolic velocity (PSV) and mean flow velocity (MFV)). qEEG can help researchers investigate the complex interplay between addiction and other brain disorders, like depression or anxiety. Characteristic qEEG in drugs addiction Increased Theta (4-8 Hz) and delta (1-4 Hz) brain waves are often associated with sleep and relaxation. However, research has shown that individuals with drug addiction may have increased theta and delta activity, particularly in the frontal and temporal regions of the brain. Altered Beta (13-30 Hz) brain waves are generally associated with wakefulness, alertness, and cognitive processing. Studies have observed both increases and decreases in beta activity in individuals with drug addiction, depending on the type of drug, the stage of addiction, and the specific brain regions being examined. The results of this research have important practical implications for building an diagnostic and functional assement with a better understanding of an using technology.

An Exploratory Study of Cognitive Distortions and Psychosis among Meth-Amphetamine Users

This research aims at studying the cognitive distortions and psychosis among the meth-amphetamine users. This study was exploratory in nature and qualitative research design was used. The sample size of this study was N = 19 meth-amphetamine users who were residing in different rehabilitation centers of Islamabad/Rawalpindi and convenient sampling technique was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and then the thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results of the analysis indicates that there is a strong association between cognitive distortions and psychotic symptoms. The results also highlighted that the most common type of cognitive distortions includes all or nothing thinking, mental filtering, and catastrophizing. This study has shown that hallucinations and paranoid delusions can cause significant harm to their day-to-day functioning as well as to their quality of life. The research highlight the critical role that social and emotional support plays in mitigating the impact of cognitive distortions on mental illness. The results of this study highlights the need of comprehensive intervention techniques which will target both the cognitive and psychosocial levels in the treatment of addiction to prevent the relapse rate.

“Jail isn’t the answer for these inmates”: how to respond to methamphetamine use in prisons

PurposeThe correctional system continues to face challenges with responding to and managing methamphetamine use among incarcerated individuals. This study aims to uncover what resources and policies could better help correctional workers deal with these challenges. The authors also examined methamphetamine’s impact on correctional work and staff well-being.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was distributed to correctional workers (n = 269) in Manitoba, Canada, featuring questions about their experiences related to methamphetamine use in populations under their care, what supports are needed to adequately address the concern, and the potential effects on self and their occupational responsibilities. Using NVivo software, survey responses were analysed using an emergent theme approach.FindingsCorrectional workers believed policies and protocols for managing methamphetamine use and withdrawal are currently inadequate. Correctional workers reported having monthly contact with incarcerated individuals experiencing methamphetamine withdrawal, posing safety concerns to them and other incarcerated individuals. Respondents proposed more education and training on managing incarcerated people withdrawing from methamphetamines, related to the symptoms of use and withdrawal and how to support persons detoxing. Increased human and material resources were reported as being needed (e.g. more nurses onsite and better screening devices). Respondents also desired more medical intervention, safe living spaces for methamphetamine users and programming to support addiction.Originality/valueThe current study unpacks correctional workers’ perspectives, support desires and their experiences managing methamphetamine use amongst incarcerated people. The authors discuss the required knowledge to respond to gaps in prison living, re-entry and related policy needs.

The General Neurocognitive Decline in Patients with Methamphetamine Use and Transient Methamphetamine-induced Psychosis is Primarily Determined by Oxidative and AGE-RAGE Stress.

Chronic Methamphetamine (MA) usage is linked to oxidative and AGE (advanced glycation end products) - RAGE (receptors for AGEs) stress, changes in magnesium, calcium, and copper, increased psychotic symptoms, and neurocognitive deficits. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether these biological pathways mediate the latter impairments. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between neurocognition, the aforementioned biomarkers, and psychotic symptoms. We recruited 67 participants, namely 40 patients diagnosed with MA-substance use and 27 healthy controls, and assessed the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), symptoms of psychosis, excitation, and formal thought disorders, oxidative toxicity (computed as the sum of myeloperoxidase (MPO), oxidized high-density lipoprotein (HDL), oxidized low-DL, and malondialdehyde), antioxidant defenses (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, zinc, and HDL), and increased AGEs and RAGEs. We were able to extract one validated latent vector from the Mini-Mental State Examination score and the BACS test results (including executive functions, verbal fluency, and attention), labeled general cognitive decline (G-CoDe). We found that 76.1% of the variance in the G-CoDe was explained by increased oxidative toxicity, lowered antioxidant defenses, number of psychotic episodes, and MA dose. In patients with MA use, MPO was significantly associated with the GCoDe. The use of MA induced mild cognitive impairments through MA-induced activation of detrimental outcome pathways, including oxidative and AGE-RAGE stress, and suppression of protective antioxidant pathways. Increased MPO, oxidative, and AGE-RAGE stress are new drug targets to prevent neurocognitive deficits and psychosis due to MA use.

Causes and effects of crystal methamphetamine usage among undergraduates in public tertiary institutions in Anambra State: Emerging technological resources for intervention and prevention

This study investigated the causes and effects of crystal methamphetamine usage among undergraduates at public tertiary institutions in Anambra State. It examined its potential intervention and prevention strategies using emerging technological resources. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey research design. Three research questions guided the research. The researchers used two questionnaires to collect data, distributing 200 copies randomly among undergraduate students. The researchers designed the questionnaire and validated by experts specifically for this study. Respondents' personal information was analyzed using percentages, while mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions. The findings revealed among others, that there are reasons behind crystal methamphetamine use among students at public tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Awka, and this use negatively impacts their academic performance and health. The findings also revealed that mobile applications, online counselling platforms and social media campaigns are the emerging technological resources for intervention and prevention. Recommendations were made, including that families should take the lead in combating drug abuse by collaborating with community organizations like town unions should work on preventing the production, sale, and use of methamphetamine within and outside the university environments. It was further recommended that educational institutions like public tertiary institutions in Anambra State could leverage emerging technologies such as mobile applications, online platforms, and social media campaigns to disseminate information about the harmful effects of drug use and provide resources for prevention and intervention. Keywords: Crystal Methamphetamine, Causes, Effects, Usage, Emerging, Technological Resources, Intervention, Prevention.

Clustering of methamphetamine users based on personality characteristics and self-efficacy in the west of Iran

With the substantial increase in the use of stimulants, especially methamphetamine, in recent years, the present study aimed to cluster methamphetamine users based on personality traits and self-efficacy, and compare their mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse in the identified clusters. This cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling on 501 methamphetamine users in addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah, western Iran. The data were collected using the Schwarzer General Self-Efficacy Scale, Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Goldberg and Hiller General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, and Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS). A total of 501 methamphetamine users were distinguished into three clusters with frequencies of 111 (22.2%), 298 (59.5%), and 92 (18.4%) members through hierarchical cluster analysis. The participants in the first cluster were characterized by low self-efficacy, high neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, along with low extroversion and activity, low positive health, high negative health, low sleep quality, and high risk of drug relapse. The participants in the second cluster reported moderate levels of self-efficacy, neuroticism, sensation seeking, activity, and aggressiveness, high extroversion, and moderate levels of mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse. Moreover, the participants in the third cluster reported the highest level of self-efficacy, the lowest level of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, moderate extroversion and high activity, low relapse risk, high sleep quality, as well as high positive and low negative health symptoms. The third cluster was significantly different from the other two clusters in terms of the mentioned factors. The findings of this study suggest that low self-efficacy and the presence of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and high aggressiveness contribute to reduced mental health and sleep quality, as well as an increased risk of relapse in methamphetamine users.

Assessment of resting cerebral perfusion between methamphetamine-associated psychosis and schizophrenia through arterial spin labeling MRI.

The clinical manifestations of methamphetamine (METH)-associated psychosis (MAP) and acute paranoid schizophrenia (SCZ) are similar. This study aims to assess regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in individuals who use METH and in those with SCZ using the MRI arterial spin labeling (ASL) technique. We prospectively recruited 68 participants and divided them into four groups: MAP (N = 15), SCZ (N = 13), METH users with no psychosis (MNP; N = 22), and normal healthy controls (CRL; N = 18). We measured rCBF using an MRI three-dimensional pseudo-continuous ASL sequence. Clinical variables were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Group-level rCBF differences were analyzed using a two-sample t-test. Decreased rCBF was found in the precuneus, premotor cortex, caudate nucleus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and thalamus in the MNP group compared with the CRL group. The MAP group had significantly decreased rCBF in the precuneus, hippocampus, anterior insula, inferior temporal gyrus, inferior orbitofrontal gyrus, and superior occipital gyrus compared with the MNP group. Increased rCBF in the precuneus and premotor cortex was seen in the MAP group compared with the SCZ group. rCBF in the precuneus and premotor cortex significantly correlated negatively with the PANSS but correlated positively with BACS scores in the MAP and SCZ groups. METH exposure was associated with decreased rCBF in the precuneus and premotor cortex. Patients with MAP exhibited higher rCBF than those with SCZ, implying preserved insight and favorable outcomes. rCBF can therefore potentially serve as a diagnostic approach to differentiate patients with MAP from those with SCZ.

Trends in peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia hospitalizations among cocaine and methamphetamine users in the United States: a nationwide study.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is on the rise worldwide, ranking as the third leading cause of atherosclerosis-related morbidity; much less is known about its trends in hospitalizations among methamphetamine and cocaine users. We aim to evaluate the overall trend in the prevalence of hospital admission for PAD with or without the use of stimulant abuse (methamphetamine and cocaine) across the United States. Additionally, we evaluated the PAD-related hospitalizations trend stratified by age, race, sex, and geographic location. We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2008 to 2020. The Cochran Armitage trend test was used to compare the trend between groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine adjusted odds for PAD and CLI hospitalizations among methamphetamine and cocaine users. Between 2008 and 2020, PAD-related hospitalizations showed an increasing trend in Hispanics, African Americans, and western states, while a decreasing trend in southern and Midwestern states (p-trend <0.05). Among methamphetamine users, an overall increasing trend was observed in men, women, western, southern, and midwestern states (p-trend <0.05). However, among cocaine users, PAD-related hospitalization increased significantly for White, African American, age group >64 years, southern and western states (p-trend <0.05). Overall, CLI-related hospitalizations showed an encouraging decreasing trend in men and women, age group >64 years, and CLI-related amputations declined for women, White patient population, age group >40, and all regions (p-trend <0.05). However, among methamphetamine users, a significantly increasing trend in CLI-related hospitalization was seen in men, women, White & Hispanic population, age group 26-45, western, southern, and midwestern regions. There was an increasing trend in PAD-related hospitalizations among methamphetamine and cocaine users for both males and females. Although an overall decreasing trend in CLI-related hospitalization was observed for both genders, an up-trend in CLI was seen among methamphetamine users. The upward trends were more prominent for White, Hispanic & African Americans, and southern and western states, highlighting racial and geographic variations over the study period.

Challenges recruiting and retaining people at risk for HIV who use methamphetamine in a randomized PrEP adherence trial in Seattle, WA.

Methamphetamine is associated with increased HIV risk and suboptimal adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Interventions to support PrEP adherence for people who use methamphetamine are needed. We evaluated peer navigation to support adherence among people initiating PrEP who use methamphetamine. The HIV Prevention in Methamphetamine Users (HMU!) study enrolled participants from May 2018-January 2022 in Seattle, WA, and followed them for 6 months. Surveys collected sociodemographic, drug use, and sexual behavior data at enrollment, month 3, and month 6. Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected at months 1, 3, and 6 to measure PrEP adherence. We enrolled 21 participants of a target sample of 40, of whom 20 were prescribed PrEP. Nine participants (43%) received peer navigation and 12 (57%) received standard of care or text messaging. At baseline, most participants reported at least weekly methamphetamine use (17, 81%) and condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) (16, 76%). One-third reported CRAI with a partner with HIV. Among those who provided a DBS, 78% and 50% had results commensurate with ≥4 pills/week at the month 3 and 6 visit, respectively. More than half of those prescribed PrEP completed a month 6 visit (11, 55%). Retention was not associated with peer support compared to standard of care or text messaging (p = .20). We enrolled half our target sample size despite extensive recruitment efforts. As expected, participants had challenges with PrEP adherence and persistence. While peer navigation interventions should be studied further, additional interventions are likely needed to support PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence among people who use methamphetamine.

Frequency of Methamphetamine Use in Patients Admitted to an Addiction Center and Clinical Factors Associated With Methamphetamine Use

We aimed to determine the frequency of methamphetamine (METH) use and the clinical factors associated with METH use. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 788 patients who applied to an addiction treatment center in Turkey. Patients diagnosed with primary psychotic disorder and/or bipolar disorder were excluded from the study. It was found that 48.9% of patients ( n = 385) used METH, and 24.4% of them ( n = 94) used it every day. Visual hallucinations were present in 34.3% of METH users, auditory hallucinations in 38.2%, paranoid delusions in 55.6%, and agitation in 39.7%. Additionally, 40.8% of patients had spontaneous skin wounds unrelated to scratching after METH use. Oral mucosa and dental lesions (METH mouth) were detected in 37.1% of patients. The incidence of these conditions increased with the frequency of METH use ( p &lt; .001 for all). Regression analysis revealed that the use of pregabalin and poly-substance use independently predicted METH use.

Can Methamphetamine-Induced Cardiotoxicity be Ameliorated by Aerobic Training and Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood Supplementation in Rats After Withdrawal?

The abuse of methamphetamine is a significant threat to cardiovascular health and has detrimental effects on the myocardium. The present study aims to explore potential interventions that can mitigate myocardial pyroptosis in rats following methamphetamine withdrawal. A total of 104 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups. The rats underwent a methamphetamine administration protocol, receiving intraperitoneal injections of 10mg/kg during the 1st week, followed by a weekly dose escalation of 1mg/kg from the second to the 6th week and two times per day. Concurrently, the rats engaged in 6weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill aerobic training, lasting 60min per day, 5days a week. Simultaneously, the Nutrition bio-shield Superfood (NBS) supplement was administered at a dosage of 25g/kg daily for 6weeks. The study assessed the expression levels of Caspase-1, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) genes in myocardial tissue. Data analysis utilized a one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The findings revealed that methamphetamine usage significantly elevated the expression of Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 genes (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, methamphetamine withdrawal led to a notable reduction in the expression of these genes (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy reductions in Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression were observed following aerobic training, supplementation, and the combined approach (p ≤ 0.05). The chronic use of methamphetamine was associated with cardiac tissue damage. This study highlights the potential of aerobic training and NBS Superfood supplementation in mitigating the harmful effects of methamphetamine-induced myocardial pyroptosis. The observed reductions in gene expression levels indicate promising interventions to address the cardiovascular consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The findings of this study suggest that a combination of aerobic exercise and NBS Superfood supplementation can provide a promising approach to mitigate the deleterious effects of methamphetamine on the heart. These findings can be useful for healthcare professionals and policymakers to design effective interventions to prevent and manage the adverse effects of methamphetamine abuse.

Proteomic Landscape Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Individuals with Long-term Methamphetamine Dependence.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive drug that directly affects the central nervous system. METH use not only harms the user's health but also poses risks and costs to society. Prolonged METH dependence has been shown to impair cognition, which may be the primary factor in impulsive drug-seeking behaviors and high relapse rates. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying METH addiction and METH-induced cognitive decline remain poorly understood. To illuminate the potential molecular mechanisms underpinning METH addiction, we compared serum protein expression levels between 12 long-term METH users and 12 healthy controls using label-free quantitative proteomics. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to determine functional networks and protein-protein interactions. In total, 23 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the two groups. The differentially expressed proteins were related to cognitive dysfunction, neuroinflammation, immune impairment, metabolic disturbances, and calcium binding and regulation. These 23 proteins may underpin the multi-system damage induced by chronic METH exposure. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular basis of METH addiction and inform potential prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with METH dependence.

Safety strategies and harm reduction for methamphetamine users in the era of fentanyl contamination: A qualitative analysis

IntroductionIn the United States, methamphetamine use is increasing and the context of its use has changed, with reports of illicitly manufactured fentanyl being mixed with methamphetamine (either deliberately or inadvertently). We explore risk-mitigating actions taken by people who use drugs to protect their health when using methamphetamine in that context. MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with 48 adults (18+) who used methamphetamine in the past three months at two sites in Nevada, USA and two sites in New Mexico, USA. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsRespondents described two rationales for employing harm reduction strategies. First, to prevent harm from methamphetamine containing illicit fentanyl, and second, to maintain their general wellbeing while using methamphetamine. Regarding methamphetamine containing illicit fentanyl, our findings highlight how respondents employ primary strategies like buying from trusted sources and secondary strategies such as spotting and selective use of harm reduction tools (i.e., fentanyl test strips) to reduce risks. To maintain their general wellbeing, participants reduced their use of methamphetamine as reasonably as possible, and used other substances like marijuana and alcohol alongside methamphetamine to counter the unwanted side effects of methamphetamine (i.e., hallucinations and paranoia). Use of these harm reduction strategies varied within situational and social contexts, and respondents usually developed these strategies based on their lived experiences. ConclusionOur findings uniquely demonstrate that people who use methamphetamine prioritize community driven, trust-based strategies within their social networks to mitigate risks in a fentanyl-contaminated drug environment. Additionally, our results indicate that harm reduction behaviors are influenced by multilevel risk environments, which include social, physical, economic, and political factors. Overall, these results highlight the potential for targeted interventions at the network level, which are responsive to complexities and shifts in drug market dynamics- such as illicit fentanyl in methamphetamine.