Characteristics of Primary Amphetamine Users in Sweden: A Criminal Justice Population Examined with the Addiction Severity Index

Abstract

Background/Aims: Characteristics of primary amphetamine, heroin and cocaine users were compared in a criminal justice population. Methods: 7,085 clients with suspected or reported substance use were studied using the Addiction Severity Index. Variables separating amphetamine, heroin and cocaine users were analyzed in stepwise logistic regression. Results: There were considerably more primary amphetamine users (n = 1,396) than heroin (n = 392) and cocaine (n = 119) users. Amphetamine users were older, a more rural population, and less likely to be non-Nordic immigrants. Compared with heroin, amphetamine use was associated with older age, Nordic origin, nonurban residence, memory/concentration problems, parental alcohol problems, and less history of other opioid use, overdose and detoxification. Compared with cocaine, amphetamine use was associated with older age, Nordic origin, nonurban residence, injecting, tobacco and institution treatment. Overlap of drug use between groups was relatively uncommon. Conclusion: This pattern of amphetamine use, common among Swedish criminals, has relatively distinct boundaries from heroin and cocaine use, commonly involves injecting, and differs from other countries. Psychiatric problems and alcohol heredity were common, and evidence-based treatment for amphetamine users is needed. The connection between amphetamine use and criminal behavior is insufficiently understood and should be further addressed.

Factors Associated With Adherence to Methylphenidate Treatment in Adult Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorders

“…One explanation to as why individuals with a diagnosis of amphetamine and/or cocaine use disorder distinguish themselves from other SUD subtypes might be associated with the often unstable living conditions among active amphetamine users (42). Socializing with substance using peers, low rates of permanent employment and high prevalence of criminal activities are all factors known to negatively impact treatment outcome and adherence (43).…”

Mortality, Causes of Death and Risk Factors for Death Among Primary Amphetamine Users in the Swedish Criminal Justice System

“…This is the cohort assessed in a previous paper describing how baseline characteristics separate this group from primary users of other major substances of abuse (heroin and cocaine) and with low rates of overlap of recent use with these substances (Hakansson et al, 2009). As potential predictors of death, we included variables describing substance use, physical illness, psychiatric problems (previously or during 30 days prior to incarceration), and demographic data (Table 4).…”

“…In the Swedish setting assessed here, amphetamine has been the predominating drug in heavy drug users (Byqvist, 2006) and the most common primary drug among criminal justice clients (Hakansson, Schlyter, & Berglund, 2009). Internationally, illicit drug abuse is common among criminals: a recent review reported prevalence of substance use disorders ranging between 30% and 60% in female prisoners and 10% and 48% in male prisoners (Fazel, Bains, & Doll, 2006).…”

“…Given the paucity of prospective research on the mortality of primary amphetamine users, and the need for data to describe this (Singleton et al, 2009), the aim of the present study was to describe (1) mortality rates, (2) causes of death, and (3) predictors of death among primary amphetamine users identified in the Swedish criminal 263 justice system, in a cohort previously assessed for baseline measures (Hakansson et al, 2009).…”

Chapter 7. Narrative Stories and Discourses in an Interview With a Former Amphetamine User

“…In Sweden, amphetamine misuse appeared early and intravenous amphetamine use has been a dominant feature of drug use in Sweden in contrast to many countries (Håkansson, Schlyter, & Berglund, 2009). According to Lenke and Olsson (1999), the drug problem in Sweden began after the Second World War with an extensive use of oral amphetamines.…”