Abstract
A great deal of attention has been placed on the opioid epidemic that the United States is currently experiencing; however, a resurgence in methamphetamine (METH) use has been occurring during the past 5 years. METH is an addictive stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system by increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Ranking second to opioids, METH use has had a significant impact on mortality, morbidity, and health-related costs and remains a serious public health problem in the United States. Individuals who use METH often use an emergency department or community-based organization for health care. Therefore, nurses and other health care providers must be knowledgeable about the harmful physical and psychological health effects of METH.
•There has been a resurgence in methamphetamine (METH) use during the last 5 years.•METH is an addictive stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system by increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.•Ranking second to opioids, METH has had a significant impact on mortality and morbidity and health care costs.•Individuals who use METH often obtain care at an emergency department or community-based organization.•Health care providers must be knowledgeable about the detrimental physical and psychologic health effects of METH.
