The Consequences of Methamphetamine use in Tehran: Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background: In recent years, methamphetamine use has increased noticeably in Iran, and this can have harmful consequences for the health of individuals and society. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate The Consequences of methamphetamine use in Tehran.Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was carried out by using conventional approach. Date were collected through observation and in-depth interview with 20 users of methamphetamine adult in Tehran (15 males and 5 female). Participants were selected through snowball and purposeful sampling method which continued until data saturation. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to assess the strength of the research.Results: The extraction of the codes resulted in three main categories, including: 1. The short-term consequences, consisting of the sub-categories of individual and social consequences 2. The long-term consequences, consisting of the sub-categories of psychological, physical and behavioral consequences, severely decayed memory and changes in the eating pattern. 3. Illusions including the sub-categories of visual and auditory illusions, illusion of suspicion and illusion of having supernatural power.Conclusion: Methamphetamine use has serious adverse effects on overall health of individuals. Therefore, implementing educational programs in order to raise awareness and changing attitudes about the short and long term consequences of using methamphetamine in high risk group is highly recommended.