Part A - Society for Public Health Education

Information SheetHelping Communities CombatClandestine Methamphetamine LaboratoriesPart A: An Educational Toolkit for Health EducatorsInformation on Health CareProfessionals and Child Welfare OfficialsMethamphetamine’s Impact on Health CareProfessionals and Child Welfare OfficialsIn many communities the methamphetamine (meth) problem has placed a strainon the health care and child welfare systems. Many hospitals nationwide are reportingan increase in meth-related emergency room visits, cases of meth overdoses andmeth-related hyperthermia, and burn victims who were critically injured at methamphetaminelaboratory (meth lab) sites. Health care providers and child welfareofficials are responding to an increase in the number of meth’s youngest victims,children rescued from the chemical hazards of meth production in unsafe labs andthe social environment surrounding meth abuse.Key Information Relevant to Health CareProfessionals and Child Welfare OfficialsMedical and Dental Complications of Meth Use© 2007 Society for Public Health EducationMethamphetamine can cause a variety of cardiovascular problems. These may includerapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and irreversiblestroke-producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain. Hyperthermia andconvulsions occur with methamphetamine overdoses and, if not treated immediately,can result in death.Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in inflammation of the heart liningand, among users who inject the drug, damage blood vessels and cause skinabscesses. Methamphetamine abusers also can have episodes of violent behavior,paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. Heavy users also show progressive socialand occupational deterioration. Psychotic symptoms can sometimes persist formonths or years after use has ceased.Part A: An Educational Toolkit for Health Educators45