Evidence-Based Treatment of Amphetamine Dependence: Behavioral and Pharmacological Approaches

Amphetamine dependence in general, and methamphetamine in particular, is a significant public-health concern (Drug and Alcohol Services Information System [DASIS], 2004). In 2005, over 500,000 Americans age 12 or older reported current methamphetamine use (National Survey on Drug Use and Health [NSDUH], 2006). Methamphetamine use was linked to approximately 73,400 emergency room visits in 2004 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration [SAMHSA], 2006c). Methamphetamine dependence is associated with significant morbidity in that users often suffer from mental illness, malnutrition, tremors, heart and lung problems, and infection at injection sites as well as irregular periods and miscarriages in women (Hando, Topp, & Hall, 1997; Richards et al., 1999). Facial and ocular burns result from methamphetamine production accidents and account for up to 10% of admissions to burn-care units (Charukamnoetkanok & Wagoner, 2004). Methamphetamine use varies by region, with western states having higher per capita use (SAMHSA, 2006b). However, methamphetamine has been identified as a threat for the eastern United States suggesting that drug use and production may be spreading (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2006) (Table 16.1).