Meth could up stroke risk in younger users

Methamphetamine's dangers are well known - and now, it looks like that the drug could up stroke risk in younger users:

With use of the stimulant increasing, particularly in more potent forms, doctors in many countries are seeing more meth-related disease and harms, the Australian study authors said. This is especially true among younger people, who are the major users of the drug.

"It is likely that methamphetamine abuse is making a disproportionate contribution to the increased incidence of stroke among young people observed over recent years," said researchers led by Julia Lappin. She's with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

These strokes can lead to disabilities or death, she and her colleagues pointed out.

(Photo from MedlinePlus)