Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse: Can Existing Evidence Inform Community Prevention?

• NCJ Number: 224209
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: 2008 Pages: 147-165
• Author(s): Johanna Birckmayer Ph.D., M.P.H.; Deborah A. Fisher Ph.D.; Harold D. Holder Ph.D.; George S. Yacoubian Jr., Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents a general causal model of methamphetamine use and harms that reflects the findings from either research specific to methamphetamine or from alcohol and other illegal drugs, so as to suggest prevention strategies communities might use.

Abstract

The model for methamphetamine presented in this article was guided by the general causal model developed by Birckmayer, Holder, Yacoubian, and Friend (2004). The latter model identifies key variables and other factors that contribute to the use of and harms associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. These include availability, norms, enforcement, price, individual factors, use, and harm. A review of the factors in methamphetamine use shows that no single factor causes methamphetamine use or harms. A complex set of variables interact with one another in the initiation and continued use of methamphetamine. This suggests that a mix of evidence-based strategies is warranted in attempting to reduce methamphetamine use and its associated harms. The strategies presented are intended to show how prevention efforts can use a causal model in identifying levels of change in a community (intermediate variables) and identify strategies for addressing specific intermediate factors. Strategies suggested for diminishing methamphetamine supply/availability focus on law enforcement strategies to disrupt drug importation and distribution and arrest suppliers and dealers, the use of civil remedies to disrupt local drug markets, and alterations to the physical environment in such a way as to reduce supply/availability. Strategies for increasing price and thus limiting demand focus on increasing the enforcement of laws regarding methamphetamine production and distribution. Other prevention strategies focus on the enactment of harsher penalties, media advocacy, and planned public education campaigns designed to influence beliefs and social norms regarding the effects and harms of methamphetamine use. 1 figure, 70 references