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Methamphetamines

Dr Mike Christmass

Dr Christmass is a Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (RACP) with a primary fellowship in general practice (RACGP). He works in a community alcohol and drug service serving the Perth CBD and surrounds and provides addiction medicine consultation to Royal Perth Hospital. He also works as senior doctor in the only publically funded, medically supervised, inpatient withdrawal unit in Western Australia. Dr Christmass has contributed to establishing the first pilot stimulant use disorder outpatient treatment clinic in Western Australia.

About this resource

Methamphetamine is a synthetic chemical with structural similarity to endogenous amines. Crystal methamphetamine is a highly potent form of methamphetamine that can be smoked or injected intravenously.

Methamphetamine is not a new chemical and problematic use of this substance is not a new issue. Methamphetamine differs from common illicit substances (e.g. heroin) in that organic cultivation is unnecessary. Methamphetamine administration causes excess accumulation of the monoamines (nor-epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin) in the brain. Sympathetic outflow is increased markedly and psychological outcomes include euphoria, disinhibition, psychosis and hypersexuality.

The evidence base for treatment is poor. Options include cognitive behavioural therapy with a limited, but potential, role for pharmacotherapy.

In the PowerPoint video, Dr Christmass discusses methamphetamines in detail.

WA Primary Health AlliancePrimary Health Network: Perth North, Perth South, Country WA

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