Methamphetamine use, dependence and treatment access in rural and regional North Coast of New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Methamphetamine users living on the North Coast of New South Wales require treatment options tailored to address a complex array of physical and psychological problems. The findings highlight the need for psychiatric support and improved coordination between mental health and drug and alcohol services in rural and regional areas.

Barriers to accessing methamphetamine treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Excluded studies included those examining the: efficacy of various methamphetamine treatments (n=7); characteristics of meth/amphetamine users (n=6); trends for admission to treatment for methamphetamine use (n=2); impact of methamphetamine use (n=1); barriers to accessing substance treatment generally (n=1); or, different treatments available for methamphetamine (n=1). Six studies employed a quantitative methodology (Kenny et al, 2011;MacMaster, 2013;Quinn et al, 2013b;Semple et al, 2005;Wallace et al, 2009;Wang et al, 2016), using structured interviews and validated tools assessing outcomes such as level of methamphetamine use and willingness to enter treatment. Three studies used a qualitative methodology to generate data from the participants' perspectives (Macmaster et al, 2008;Pennay and Lee, 2009;Woodall and Boeri, 2014) with Woodall and Boeri (2014) using an ethnographic framework to recruit participants.…”

Factors associated with professional support access among a prospective cohort of methamphetamine users

“…Eighty percent of baseline participants used methamphetamine at least weekly during the previous month and 60% were classified as methamphetamine-dependent according to the SDS. Overall, the socio-demographic characteristics of this cohort are comparable to those of other methamphetamine-and amphetamine-type stimulant-using samples recruited for both crosssectional and longitudinal research throughout Australia since the mid-1990s (e.g., Cogger, McKetin, Ross, & Najman, 2008;McKetin, Kelly, & McLaren, 2006;Vincent et al, 1999;Wallace, Galloway, McKetin, Kelly, & Leary, 2009). …”

Health service utilisation attributable to methamphetamine use in Australia: Patterns, predictors and national impact

“…It may also reflect avoidance because of the stigma associated with illicit drug use, or concerns about confidentiality (e.g. the legal repercussions of disclosing illicit drug use), which are documented barriers to seeking help for methamphetamine use . The effects of frequent of intoxication and withdrawal from methamphetamine, or the constraints of an illicit drug using lifestyle (e.g.…”