Six-Year Follow-up of People Who Use Methamphetamine in Iran: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Background: Despite the increased use of methamphetamine, little is known about its adverse effects in developing countries. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the adverse events of methamphetamine use in Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 subjects who were recruited in the Iranian Mental Health Survey (IranMHS, a 2011 national household survey) and used methamphetamine more than five times in the past year enrolled in this case series study. Six years after the index interview, eligible participants were contacted to assess their frequency of methamphetamine use in the past year, the incidence of adverse events, and utilization of substance use treatment services. Results: One death was recorded among 29 eligible cases. Of the 13 completed interviews (all male), the majority (n = 10) reported abstinence, and 2 reduced their methamphetamine use in the past year. More than two-thirds (n = 9) of participants experienced at least 1 adverse event. Incarceration and violent behavior were the most common adverse events. Of the 10 individuals with methamphetamine use disorder, none received specific health care treatment. Conclusions: The study participants experienced a high rate of adverse events, and none of those with methamphetamine use disorder received specific treatment. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the causal relationship between methamphetamine use and adverse events.