National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy Background Paper: Monograph Series No. 69
5.7 Other interventions
Table of contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- List of Tables
- List of Figures
Chapter 1: Introduction- Chapter 2 Setting the Context
- Chapter 3: Effects of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants
- Chapter 4: Prevention and Harm Reduction
Chapter 5: Treatment and Service Provision- 5.1 Amphetamine-type stimulant treatment presentations
- 5.2 Initial engagement
- 5.3 Treatment access and retention
- 5.4 Withdrawal management
- 5.5 Psychosocial interventions
- 5.6 Pharmacotherapy
- 5.7 Other interventions
- 5.8 Managing co-occurring mental health and amphetamine-type stimulant problems
- 5.9 Workforce development
- 5.10 Summary
- Chapter 6: Law Enforcement
- Appendix 1
- Appendix 2
12-Step Programs
Donovan and Wells (2007) performed a review of the available literature on the role of 12- step mutual support groups in the recovery process for consumers of methamphetamine. Few, if any, data were found on methamphetamine dependent clients and their use of these programs. However, the evidence with alcohol- and cocaine-dependent individuals was associated with improved outcomes. The researchers concluded that actively integrating 12-step programs into the treatment process may provide low- or no-cost options for methamphetamine consumers and increase the capacity for providing treatment.Residential treatment
There is some evidence that the residential treatment outcomes for ATS dependent clients is similar to other drug dependent groups (e.g., Hawke et al., 2000). However, it is a relatively expensive treatment option, and it may be appropriate to target it to particular patients. For example, Taylor and Gold (1990) suggested that residential treatment for people affected by ATS use may be appropriate when there is polydrug dependence; severe withdrawal; medical complications; psychiatric comorbidity; inadequate living conditions; and absence of social supports.Community based interventions
Community-based treatment programs in California, comprised of 12 residential and 20 out-patient programs, were recently evaluated in a longitudinal study examining treatment outcomes among 1,073 methamphetamine consumers (Hser et al., 2005). Data were collected at intake (baseline measures), and at 3 and 9 months following admission, with significant improvements found at 9-month follow-up in all key life areas (except for medical severity for males) as measured by the composite scores of the Addiction Severity Index. Gender differences were observed with women demonstrating greater improvements in family relationships and medical problems, but more likely to be unemployed, have childcare responsibilities and report more psychiatric symptoms.Top of Page
