Technology and innovation in the psychosocial treatment of methamphetamine use, risk and dependence

Abstract

Issues. The dramatic increase in methamphetamine use has led to the urgent need for high-quality, effective treatments and management strategies for methamphetamine use problems to be developed and disseminated. Although some evidence exists for the use of psychological, pharmacological and other approaches to treatment for problematic methamphetamine use, other evidence suggests that many methamphetamine users do not access these treatment options due to a range of individual and service-level barriers. Approach. A review of available research literature was undertaken to identify treatment strategies for methamphetamine users, which overcome the problems associated with treatment access for this important target group and involve technological and other innovative approaches. Key Findings. Several approaches to addressing problematic methamphetamine use have been suggested, including assertive engagement strategies, flexibility in the provision of treatment and retention strategies and use of a multi-focused intervention package, such as stepped care, perhaps including new technologies as alternatives or supplements to face-to-face-delivered treatments. No research currently exists to examine the possible benefit of these strategies for people with methamphetamine use problems. Implications. The use of stepped-care intervention packages has the potential to address many of the current challenges faced by both clinicians and clients in treating methamphetamine use problems. Conclusions. Although promising, these approaches require further attention and research effort, particularly among the specific group of methamphetamine users. [Kay-Lambkin FJ. Technology and innovation in the psychosocial treatment of methamphetamine use, risk and dependence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2008;27:318-325]

Migrant pathways to community mental health centres in Italy

“…In fact, significant others within an individual's social network have been shown to play a major role in shaping how, when and what type of help is sought (Morgan et al, 2005). Finally, as already shown by other research, older people and people with drug addiction problems might need a special therapeutic approach to facilitate access to care and use of services (Gilmer, Ojeda, Fuentes, Criado, & Garcia, 2009;Kay-Lambkin, 2008;Mowbray, Perron, Bohnert, Krentzman, & Vaughn, 2010). The CHMCs involved in our study are based in the three northern Italian regions where immigrant population has a higher prevalence and the highest growth rate stability in the last few years as compared, say, to central and southern Italy (Caritas/Migrantes, 2008).…”

Computer-based interventions for drug use disorders: A systematic review

“…Four studies evaluated opioid users exclusively (Barber, 1990; Bickel, Marsch, Buchhalter, & Badger, 2008; Chopra et al, 2009; Marsch & Bickel, 2004) while the other studies included more than one type of drug user (5 cocaine, 8 cannabis, 6 alcohol and 5 other). Two included studies were conducted in the Australia (Barber, 1990; Kay-Lambkin, Baker, Lewin, & Carr, 2008) and the rest in the United States.…”

The Methamphetamine Problem in the United States

“…Psychosocial interventions that have generated the most empirical evidence include cognitive behavioral interventions that focus on self-efficacy skill building and relapse prevention (Cheng-Fang et al, 2004; Rawson, et al, 2004), contingency management approaches that provide motivational incentives for demonstration of desired non-drug use behaviors (Roll et al, 2006), stepped care for transitioning MA users through continued treatment levels based on need (Kay-Lambkin, 2008), and drug court for MA-dependent offenders (Huddleston, 2005; Marinelli-Casey et al, 2008). To date, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for MA dependence (Montoya & Vocci, 2008), with several showing potential, including bupropion (Elkashef et al, 2008; Shoptaw et al, 2008; Newton et al, 2006) and methylphenidate (Tiihonen et al, 2007).…”