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Methamphetamine in the Czech Republic - history and present

Publication at Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, First Faculty of Medicine |
2017

Abstract

Metamfetamine (referred to as pervitin) has been in the centre of the drug problem for several decades in the Czech Republic, and the extent of its use is (together with Slovakia) in the European context. Methamphetamine has been present in the Czech Republic since the 1970s in the context of problematic use, it is predominantly injected.

Since the beginning of this millennium, it has also been used recreationally, especially in the context of night entertainment. The extent of use of methamphetamine in the adult population and between the youth is relatively low, problem use is the cause of a number of health and social problems, including crime.

Services for users of pervitin are an integral part of the system of addictological care in the Czech Republic, which is oriented towards the main target group of illicit drug users due to the long-term epidemiological situation for users of pervitin. Compared to opioid users, there are some specific interventions for methamphetamine users, such as the distribution of gelatin capsules to reduce methamphetamine injection.

Substitution treatment for methamphetamine dependence on central stimulants is rarely and exceptionally available as non-standard treatment outside approved indications.