1
|
Chmiel J, Malinowska A, Rybakowski F, Leszek J. The Effectiveness of Mindfulness in the Treatment of Methamphetamine Addiction Symptoms: Does Neuroplasticity Play a Role? Brain Sci 2024; 14:320. [PMID: 38671972 PMCID: PMC11047954 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine is a highly stimulating psychoactive drug that causes life-threatening addictions and affects millions of people around the world. Its effects on the brain are complex and include disturbances in the neurotransmitter systems and neurotoxicity. There are several known treatment methods, but their effectiveness is moderate. It must be emphasised that no drugs have been approved for treatment. For this reason, there is an urgent need to develop new, effective, and safe treatments for methamphetamine. One of the potential treatments is mindfulness meditation. In recent years, this technique has been researched extensively in the context of many neurological and psychiatric disorders. METHODS This review explores the use of mindfulness in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Research Gate, and Cochrane databases. RESULTS Ten studies were identified that used mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. The results show that mindfulness is an effective form of reducing hunger, risk of relapses, stress indicators, depression, and aggression, alone or in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Mindfulness also improved the cognitive function in addicts. The included studies used only behavioural measures. The potential mechanisms of mindfulness in addiction were explained, and it was proposed that it can induce neuroplasticity, alleviating the symptoms of addiction. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from the studies suggest that mindfulness may be an effective treatment option for methamphetamine addiction, used alone or in combination with tDCS. However, further high-quality research is required to establish the role of this treatment option in this field. The use of neuroimaging and neurophysiological measures is fundamental to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Chmiel
- Institute of Neurofeedback and tDCS Poland, 70-393 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Filip Rybakowski
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 54-235 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang Y, Nguyen NV, Mammo DA, Albini TA, Hayek BR, Timperley BD, Krueger RR, Yeh S. Vision health perspectives on Breaking Bad: Ophthalmic sequelae of methamphetamine use disorder. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1135792. [PMID: 36969265 PMCID: PMC10031494 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1135792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine use has become a rampant public health issue that not only causes devastating consequences to the user but also poses a burden to surrounding communities. A spectrum of ophthalmic sequelae is associated with methamphetamine use and includes episcleritis, scleritis, corneal ulceration, panophthalmitis, endophthalmitis, retinal vasculitis, and retinopathy. In many instances, prompt recognition of the condition and associated infectious process and early initiation of antimicrobial therapy are crucial steps to preventing vision loss. In this review, we summarize the reported ocular complications that may result from methamphetamine use in addition to several postulated mechanisms regarding the ocular toxicity of methamphetamine. The increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use as a public health threat highlights the need for continued investigation of this ophthalmologic issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Nam V. Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Danny A. Mammo
- Cleveland Clinic, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas A. Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Brent R. Hayek
- North Georgia Eye Clinic, Gainesville, GA, United States
| | - Brent D. Timperley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Ronald R. Krueger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- *Correspondence: Steven Yeh,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sanchez Lozano CD, Wilkins C, Rychert M. Outcomes from the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal after a review of policy on residential housing methamphetamine contamination. J R Soc N Z 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2103575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Wilkins
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rychert
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Koppen A, Wijnands-Kleukers APG, Gresnigt FMJ, de Lange DW. Clinical toxicology of exposures to chemicals from clandestine drug laboratories: a literature review. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:559-570. [PMID: 35191346 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2041201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The synthesis of clandestine drugs is a widespread worldwide phenomenon, with clandestine drug laboratories occurring both in rural and urban areas. There is considerable unfamiliarity among medical professionals about the health risks that are associated with chemicals used in clandestine drug laboratories. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the adverse health effects resulting from exposure to chemicals involved in the production of clandestine drugs. METHODS The US National Library of Medicine PubMed database and the Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) were searched from their date of inception to October 26, 2021 using combinations of relevant search terms. This yielded 1,558 unique articles, which were subjected to two eligibility criteria: (i) exposure to clandestine drug laboratory chemicals resulting in adverse health effects; (ii) subjects were human. A total of 22 unique articles were retrieved, consisting of 10 reviews, eight case reports/series and four retrospective studies. Further searches among the references cited in these publications yielded another seven case reports/series and six retrospective studies. RESULTS Inhalation: Surveillance studies reported respiratory symptoms (including cough, throat irritation, nasal irritation, and dyspnea) in 59% (n = 1,657 of 2,803) of those exposed. The case reports/series described respiratory symptoms in 43% of the cases (n = 36 of 84). Lung edema was reported occasionally (n = 2). Eye exposure: Surveillance studies reported eye irritation and burns in 23% (n = 647 of 2,803) of those exposed. The case reports/series described ocular adverse events in 36% of the cases (n = 30 of 84). More severe ocular effects, such as corneal damage and conjunctival necrosis, were reported after direct eye contact with caustic fluids. Skin exposure: Surveillance studies reported dermal effects, ranging from skin irritation to severe burns, in 6% of those exposed (n = 174 of 2,803). The case reports/series described dermal effects in 30% of the cases (n = 25 of 84). Ingestion: Gastrointestinal burns were observed after ingestion of caustic substances in 5% of the patients reported in the case reports/series (n = 4 of 84). Systemic effects: Surveillance studies reported headache and dizziness in 31% (n = 882 of 2,803) and 7% (n = 187 of 2,803) of those exposed, respectively. The case reports/series described sympathomimetic effects, including mydriasis, hypertension, tachycardia, in 4% of the cases (n = 3 of 84). Fatalities: Surveillance studies reported death in 1% of those exposed (n = 29 of 2803). Ten percent of the people reported in the cases report/series died (n = 8 of 84). Death was reported after inhalation of phosphine (n = 5), hydrogen sulfide (n = 1), methanol (n = 1), and after ingestion of sulfuric acid (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to chemicals involved in the production of clandestine drugs mostly resulted in mild to moderate respiratory, ocular or dermal effects, usually caused by caustic chemicals or solvents. Systemic effects were generally mild, but severe symptoms and eight deaths were reported after exposure to phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, methanol and sulfuric acid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjen Koppen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Femke M J Gresnigt
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Emergency Department, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dylan W de Lange
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A review on the current methods of methamphetamine remediation, their limitations, and chemical degradation techniques which have been investigated. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
6
|
Sancho Santos ME, Grabicová K, Steinbach C, Schmidt-Posthaus H, Šálková E, Kolářová J, Vojs Staňová A, Grabic R, Randák T. Environmental concentration of methamphetamine induces pathological changes in brown trout (Salmo trutta fario). CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126882. [PMID: 32957289 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine, mainly consumed as an illicit drug, is a potent addictive psychostimulant that has been detected in surface water at concentrations ranging from nanograms to micrograms per litre, especially in Middle and East Europe. The aim of this study was to expose brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) to environmental (1 μg L-1) and higher (50 μg L-1) concentrations of methamphetamine for 35 days with a four-day depuration phase to assess the possible negative effects on fish health. Degenerative liver and heart alterations, similar to those described in mammals, were observed at both concentrations, although at different intensities. Apoptotic changes in hepatocytes, revealed by activated caspase-3, were found in exposed fish. The parent compound and a metabolite (amphetamine) were detected in fish tissues in both concentration groups, in the order of kidney > liver > brain > muscle > plasma. Bioconcentration factors ranged from 0.13 to 80. A therapeutic plasma concentration was reached for both compounds in the high-concentration treatment. This study indicates that chronic environmental concentrations of methamphetamine can lead to health issues in aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Sancho Santos
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Kateřina Grabicová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Christoph Steinbach
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Heike Schmidt-Posthaus
- University of Bern, Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Šálková
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Kolářová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Vojs Staňová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic; Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ilkovicova 6, SK-842 15, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Roman Grabic
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Randák
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Foroughi K, Jahanbani S, Khaksari M, Shayannia A. Obestatin attenuated methamphetamine-induced PC12 cells neurotoxicity via inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 39:301-310. [PMID: 31726888 DOI: 10.1177/0960327119886036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit dopaminergic neurotoxin and is an extremely addictive psychostimulant drug that influences monoamine neurotransmitter system of the brain and is responsible for enhancing energy and satisfaction and feelings of alertness. Long-lasting exposure to METH causes psychosis and increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. Studies have revealed that obestatin (OB) is a novel endogenous ligand, which may have neuroprotective effects. Hence, we hypothesized that OB might appropriately limit METH-induced neurotoxicity via the control of apoptotis and autophagy. In the current study, PC12 cells were exposed to both METH (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 mmol/L) and pretreatment OB (1, 10, 100, and 200 nmol/L) in vitro for 24 h to determine appropriate dose, and then downstream pathways were measured to investigate apoptosis and autophagy. The results have shown that OB reduced the apoptotic response post-METH exposure in PC12 cells by developing cell viability and diminishing apoptotic rates. Furthermore, the study has exhibited OB decreased gene expression of Beclin-1 by real-time polymerase chain reaction and LC3-II by Western blotting in METH-induced PC12 cells, which demonstrated that autophagy is reduced. The study is proposed that OB is useful in reducing oxidative stress, which may also play an essential role in the regulation of METH-triggered apoptotic response. So these data indicate that OB could potentially alleviate METH-induced neurotoxicity via the reduction of apoptotic and autophagy responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Foroughi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - S Jahanbani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - M Khaksari
- Addiction Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - A Shayannia
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Foroughi K, Khaksari M, Rahmati M, Bitaraf FS, Shayannia A. Apelin-13 Protects PC12 Cells Against Methamphetamine-Induced Oxidative Stress, Autophagy and Apoptosis. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:2103-2112. [PMID: 31385138 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02847-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychomotor stimulant that has a high potential for abuse in humans. In addition, it is neurotoxic, especially in dopaminergic neurons. Long-lasting exposure to METH causes psychosis and increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. Apelin-13 is a novel endogenous ligand which studies have shown that may have a neuroprotective effect. Therefore, we hypothesized that Apelin-13 might adequately prevent METH-induced neurotoxicity via the inhibition of apoptotic, autophagy, and ROS responses. In this study, PC12 cells were exposed to both METH (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 mmol/L) and Apelin-13 (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 μmol/L) in vitro for 24 h to measure determined dose, and then downstream pathways were measured to investigate apoptosis, autophagy, and ROS responses. The results have indicated that Apelin-13 decreased the apoptotic response post-METH exposure in PC12 cells by increasing cell viability, reducing apoptotic rates. In addition, the study has revealed Apelin-13 decreased gene expression of Beclin-1 by Real-Time PCR and LC3-II by western blotting in METH-induced PC12 cells, which demonstrated autophagy is reduced. In addition, this study has shown that Apelin-13 reduces intracellular ROS of METH-induced PC12 cells. These results support Apelin-13 to be investigated as a potential drug for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. It is suggested that Apelin-13 is beneficial in reducing oxidative stress, which may also play an important role in the regulation of METH-triggered apoptotic response. Hence, these data indicate that Apelin-13 could potentially alleviate METH-induced neurotoxicity via the reduction of oxidative damages, apoptotic, and autophagy cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kobra Foroughi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khaksari
- Addiction Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Majid Rahmati
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Fateme Sadat Bitaraf
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Asghar Shayannia
- Bahar Center for Education, Research and Treatment, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Barthwell AG, Allgaier J, Egli K. Definitive urine drug testing in office-based opioid treatment: a literature review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 48:829-852. [DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2018.1553935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
10
|
Wright J, Edwards J, Walker S. Exposures associated with clandestine methamphetamine drug laboratories in Australia. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:329-352. [PMID: 27428841 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine in residential homes may represent significant hazards and exposures not only to those involved in the manufacture of the drugs but also to others living in the home (including children), neighbours and first responders to the premises. These hazards are associated with the nature and improper storage and use of precursor chemicals, intermediate chemicals and wastes, gases and methamphetamine residues generated during manufacture and the drugs themselves. Many of these compounds are persistent and result in exposures inside a home not only during manufacture but after the laboratory has been seized or removed. Hence new occupants of buildings formerly used to manufacture methamphetamine may be unknowingly exposed to these hazards. Children are most susceptible to these hazards and evidence is available in the literature to indicate that these exposures may result in immediate and long-term adverse health effects. The assessment of exposure within the home can be undertaken by measuring contaminant levels or collecting appropriate biological data from individuals exposed. To gain a better understanding of the available data and key issues associated with these approaches to the characterisation of exposure, a review of the published literature has been undertaken.
Collapse
|
11
|
Melnikova N, Orr MF, Wu J, Christensen B. Injuries from Methamphetamine-Related Chemical Incidents — Five States, 2001–2012. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2015; 64:909-12. [DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6433a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
12
|
Al-Obaidi TA, Fletcher SM. Management of clandestine drug laboratories: need for evidence-based environmental health policies. Environ Health Prev Med 2014; 19:1-11. [PMID: 24002745 PMCID: PMC3890076 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-013-0360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clandestine drug laboratories (CDLs) have been emerging and increasing as a public health problem in Australia, with methamphetamine being the dominant illegally manufactured drug. However, management and remediation of contaminated properties are still limited in terms of regulation and direction, especially in relation to public and environmental health practice. Therefore, this review provides an update on the hazards and health effects associated with CDLs, with a specific look at the management of these labs from an Australian perspective. Particularly, the paper attempts to describe the policy landscape for management of CDLs, and identifies current gaps and how further research may be utilised to advance understanding and management of CDLs and inform public health policies. The paper highlights a significant lack of evidence-based policies and guidelines to guide regulatory authority including environmental health officers in Australia. Only recently, the national Clandestine Drug Laboratory Guidelines were developed to assist relevant authority and specialists manage and carry out investigations and remediation of contaminated sites. However, only three states have developed state-based guidelines, some of which are inadequate to meet environmental health requirements. The review recommends well-needed inter-sectoral collaborations and further research to provide an evidence base for the development of robust policies and standard operating procedures for safe and effective environmental health management and remediation of CDLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie M. Fletcher
- />Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cunningham JK, Callaghan RC, Tong D, Liu LM, Li HY, Lattyak WJ. Changing over-the-counter ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products to prescription only: impacts on methamphetamine clandestine laboratory seizures. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012; 126:55-64. [PMID: 22592141 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clandestine laboratory operators commonly extract ephedrine and pseudoephedrine-precursor chemicals used to synthesize methamphetamine-from over-the-counter cold/allergy/sinus products. To prevent this activity, two states, Oregon in 07/2006 and Mississippi in 07/2010, implemented regulations classifying ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as Schedule III substances, making products containing them available by prescription only. Using simple pre-regulation versus post-regulation comparisons, reports claim that the regulations have substantially reduced clandestine laboratory seizures (an indicator of laboratory prevalence) in both states, motivating efforts to implement similar regulation nationally. This study uses ARIMA-intervention time-series analysis to more rigorously evaluate the regulations' impacts on laboratory seizures. METHODS Monthly counts of methamphetamine clandestine laboratory seizures were extracted from the Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System (2000-early 2011) for Oregon, Mississippi and selected nearby states (for quasi-control). FINDINGS Seizures in Oregon and nearby western states largely bottomed out months before Oregon's regulation, and changed little thereafter. No significant impact for Oregon's regulation was found. Mississippi and nearby states generally had elevated seizures before Mississippi's regulation. Mississippi experienced a regulation-associated drop of 28.9 seizures (50.2%) in the series level (p<0.01), while nearby states exhibited no comparable decline. CONCLUSIONS Oregon's regulation encountered a floor effect, making any sizable impact infeasible. Mississippi, however, realized a substantial impact, suggesting that laboratories, if sufficiently extant, can be meaningfully impacted by prescription precursor regulation. It follows that national prescription precursor regulation would have little impact in western states with low indicated laboratory prevalence, but may be of significant use in regions facing higher indicated prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James K Cunningham
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Moenk MD, Matuszewich L. Juvenile but not adult methamphetamine exposure improves performance in the Morris Water Maze in male rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2012; 30:325-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Moenk
- Department of PsychologyNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIL60115United States
| | - Leslie Matuszewich
- Department of PsychologyNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIL60115United States
| |
Collapse
|