Qualitative Exploration of Wave Four: Methamphetamine and Opioid Treatment and Health Risks
Abstract
Introduction: Polysubstance use has increased, with methamphetamine as the leading stimulant present in overdose deaths. Stimulants increase the risk of overdose, cardiovascular conditions, mental illness, and blood-borne diseases. This study explores polysubstance users’ perceptions of their current health, strategies to reduce health risks associated with polysubstance use, and beliefs and experiences of treatment in the Dayton, Ohio, area.
Methods: Qualitative interviews were analyzed from 89 participants meeting the following eligibility criteria: (1) greater than or equal to 18 years of age, (2) living in the Dayton, Ohio, area, and (3) used methamphetamine within the past 30 days. Participants were recruited through flyers, outreach referrals, and snowball sampling methods. Structured survey data were collected and stored within REDCap, and qualitative interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically in ATLAS.ti using the health belief framework.
Results: Participants described a lack of adequate methamphetamine treatment options compared to opioid use disorder treatment and using methamphetamine during treatment. Individuals explained existing physical and mental health conditions and oral health concerns, perceived to be induced or exacerbated by polysubstance use. Healthy eating and drinking habits, safe intravenous practices, and using methamphetamine to prevent or reverse an opioid overdose were identified strategies to reduce health consequences associated with substance use.
Conclusion: Our findings substantiate a holistic treatment approach and suggest a public health initiative to increase awareness and education on polysubstance use health risks, screen and review patient health history, increase cross-sector collaboration, and expand access to treatment services and resources to improve well-being.
Keywords: Qualitative, Methamphetamine, Opioid, Health, Treatment
How to Cite:
Jenkins WN, Silverstein SM, Handysides D, Herring RP, Daniulaityte R. Qualitative exploration of wave four: methamphetamine and opioid treatment and health risks. Ohio J Public Health. 2026;8(1):1-10. https://doi.org/10.18061/ojph.6406
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