National Association of Social Workers

Tackling the Growing Scourge of Meth

All-Consuming Effects Complicate Interventions

Growing meth use poses challenges for social workers on the front lines.

By Sheryl Fred, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

"Speed." "Crank." "Crystal." Whatever you choose to call it, methamphetamine — a highly addictive stimulant — is no longer the domain of substance abuse social workers alone.

An overwhelming 58 percent of counties surveyed in a recent National Association of Counties study reported that meth is their largest drug-related law enforcement problem today. Sixty-two percent of counties said meth is responsible for rising levels of domestic violence, and 40 percent of all child welfare officials in the survey reported that the drug has resulted in increased out-of-home placements.

As meth extends its reach in rural and urban settings alike, social workers in a number of fields of practice will have to contend with the fallout of this destructive drug.

Unique Challenges. Meth, a white odorless powder that can be dissolved into liquid for injection or smoked from crystals, releases high levels of brain-stimulating dopamine to enhance the user's concentration, pleasure, fine motor control, sex drive and energy levels. These effects are highly reinforcing: A truck driver takes meth to keep himself awake at the wheel — and he makes his delivery on time. A depressed teen self-medicates with meth — and it lifts her mood. A homeless man takes meth to suppress his appetite — and he doesn't feel hungry.

But according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, meth also "appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine as well as serotonin." Common psychological effects of meth include irritability, anxiety, paranoia, aggressiveness, confusion and acute mood swings. Physical effects include sweating, headaches, teeth grinding and jaw clenching, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, dehydration, malnutrition and sometimes hyperthermia, tremors and convulsions.

As with many other drugs, meth's dichotomy of "desirable" outcomes and toxic effects is what makes treatment so challenging.

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From September 2005 NASW News. © 2005 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.