A Dangerous Crystal: Understanding the Allure of Meth

Faculty

Frank Romanelli, PharmD, MPH, BCPS
Assistant Dean for Education / Associate Professor of Pharmacy
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Clinical Specialist in HIV/AIDS
University of Kentucky Medical Center

Needs Statement

Methamphetamine is second only to cannabis in terms of worldwide drug abuse.  The drug is inexpensive, relatively easy to manufacture and is highly addictive.  Methamphetamine is most often produced in clandestine laboratories found in the Midwest and South.  Manufacture most commonly employs pseudoephedrine as a chemical precursor with the addition of various other chemicals which may include red phosphorus, lithium, ammonia, and sodium hydroxide.  The clinical effects of methamphetamine abuse include increased energy and alertness, feelings of enhanced self-esteem and self-worth, and euphoria.  Adverse effects can include hypertension, seizure-activity, arrhythmia, and/or cerebrovascular accidents.  The drug is also associated with a significant psychosocial phenomenon that includes child neglect, unemployment, and an inability to perform typical activities of daily living.  It is critical that all health care professionals recognize signs and symptoms of methamphetamine abuse and be familiar with clinical management of both acute and chronic abuse.  Of particular importance is a familiarity with current federal and state regulations which impact the availability of methamphetamine precursors such as pseudoephedrine.

Target Audience

The activity is intended for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who treat patients with methamphetamine addiction.

Objectives

1. To review the epidemiology of the current methamphetamine problem in the US;
2. To discuss the clinical effects and management strategies for acute and chronic methamphetamine intoxication;
3. To describe methods used in the manufacture of methamphetamine in the US.

Accreditation

Pharmacy
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity has been assigned ACPE # 022-999-07-156-H04-P and will award 1.00 contact hours (0.1 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit in states that recognize ACPE providers. Statements of credit will indicate hours and CEUs based on successful completion of a posttest (score 70% or higher) and will be issued upon completion of the activity. The college complies with the Criteria for Quality for continuing education programming.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Romanelli has no financial relationships to disclose.