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

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.