An Ethnographic Exploration of Self-Reported Violence Among Rural Methamphetamine Users

Abstract

Baseline and follow-up qualitative interviews with methamphetamine users in rural Kentucky and Arkansas examined their involvement in drug-related violence. Twelve baseline participants reported methamphetamine-related violence, whereas 20 reported violence linked to other substances. In follow-up interviews conducted 12 to 24 months later, four participants reported methamphetamine-related violence and three reported violence associated with other substances. Violence was rarely directly attributed to methamphetamine's psychoactive effects. Rather, violence was associated with disputes over methamphetamine or its use, paranoia, ill-tempers, and hallucinations during methamphetamine “binges.” Implications of the findings for additional research and interventions are discussed.

Keywords:

• methamphetamine
• rural drug use
• southern United States
• violence

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank Patricia Wright, Joni Furlong, Kathy Russell, Leslie Cena-Talley, Stuart Castleberry, Ever Jean Ford, Rance Lewis, Abe Lovelace, Brad Johnson, and Desi Sims of the project staff for their assistance and Lawrence Hammar for commenting on an earlier draft of this article.

Notes

Supported by a National Institute on Drug Abuse Grant for the study “Rural Stimulant Use and Mental Health: Services and Outcomes,” grant number 1R01DA15363, Brenda M. Booth, co-principal investigator, and Carl Leukefeld, co-principal investigator. The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or any other governing agency.