Parental methamphetamine abuse and children.

ABSTRACT

Methamphetamine has alluring properties, such as the ability to promote weight loss and wakefulness, and because of its low price and ease of synthesis, methamphetamine abuse is now a nationwide problem in the United States. Unfortunately, the scope of the problem extends beyond adult users to the children of parents who are users. As methamphetamine abuse increases, the consequences of the epidemic pose major health and child welfare concerns. This article describes methamphetamine abuse and the long-term consequences of use, as well as specific nursing interventions to mitigate its effects.