effects of methamphetamine withdrawal on the volume and ph of stimulated saliva

Statement of the problem: as a stimulant drug of the central nervous system, metham-phetamine reduces salivary secretion by stimulating inhibitory α2-receptors in the sympa-thetic system. the acidity of this substance reduces the salivary ph and causes severe dental caries and erosion in the cervical region of teeth, appearing as meth mouth. purpose: this study aimed to determine the effects of methamphetamine withdrawal on the volume and ph of stimulated saliva in patients under treatment at rehabilitation centers. materials and method: this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 20 individuals at the rehabilitation centers of gorgan, iran. the volume and ph of stimulat-ed saliva were measured at three intervals: before withdrawal, four days after withdrawal, and 30 days after withdrawal. data analysis was performed using anova test in spss. results: the results showed a significant difference in the mean volume of saliva before and after withdrawal (p< 0.05). thirty days after withdrawal, the mean volume of saliva was significantly different from the mean volume after four days (p< 0.05). moreover, the mean ph of saliva after withdrawal was significantly different from the mean ph before with-drawal (p< 0.001). on the other hand, the mean salivary ph at 30 days after withdrawal was not significantly different from the mean ph on the fourth day after withdrawal (p> 0.05). conclusion: it seems that methamphetamine withdrawal influences the volume and ph of stimulated saliva in patients under treatment at rehabilitation centers.