Treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to document treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users receiving outpatient counselling from the Stimulant Treatment Program (STP) in Australia.


METHODS
Clients attending the STP for methamphetamine use (n = 105) were assessed on entry to the service and at 3 (n = 86) and 6 months (n = 83) after starting treatment. At each interview methamphetamine use (days of use, severity of dependence), other drug use and health and social functioning (HIV risk behaviour, crime, disability, psychotic symptoms and hostility) were assessed for the past month.


RESULTS
Participants received a median of six counselling sessions (interquartile range 1-11) over a period of 89 days (interquartile range 41-148 days). Past month methamphetamine use fell from 79% at treatment entry to 53% at the 3-month follow-up (P < 0.001) and 55% at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant reductions in psychotic symptoms, hostility and disability associated with poor mental health. There was no change in other drug use, crime or HIV risk behaviour. Reductions in methamphetamine were more common among younger participants, those who had no history of drug treatment and those without concurrent heroin use.


CONCLUSIONS
Methamphetamine users entering the STP showed reductions in methamphetamine use and improvements in their mental health after treatment. Improved treatment responses are needed to address polydrug use and other harms within in this population.
Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. rebecca.mcketin@anu.edu.au
Rebecca
R
McKetin
Adrian J
AJ
Dunlop
Rohan M
RM
Holland
Rachel A
RA
Sutherland
Amanda L
AL
Baker
Allison M
AM
Salmon
Susan L
SL
Hudson
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology / Q000639:trends; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine