Grant: Operating Grant: Methamphetamine and related psychostimulant use

Methamphetamines are potent stimulants with significant health and societal consequences. In the United States, amphetamine-related hospitalizations have recently tripled following a brief period of decline. In Canada, anecdotal reports have noted similar trends, but surprisingly little research has been conducted to assess the purported increase in the use of the drug. Of special importance is the lack of nationwide epidemiological data. Given this growing concern and the paucity of research on the topic, our work will investigate trends in methamphetamine use in Canada. Specifically, we will examine geographic, sociodemographic, and temporal trends of methamphetamine use, as well as trends in polysubstance abuse. We will also quantify corresponding health care utilization and hospital costs to understand the national economic impact. Our study will use a nationally representative Canadian cohort, which will provide the most comprehensive and up to date figures of epidemiological trends on methamphetamine use in Canada. In order to lay the groundwork for successful interventions at all levels (including treatment, harm reduction, and at the levels of health service systems), epidemiological studies using large, current, and representative samples are urgently needed.