Treating the hype: supports and treatment responses for people impacted by methamphetamine use
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data list methamphetamine (MA) use second only to alcohol as the most common drug of concern in clients attending Alcohol and other Drug (AoD) services in Australia1. Whilst overall rates of MA use in Australia have remained stable in recent years, people who use MA are reporting higher rates of regular and dependent use, leading to complex physical, mental health and social problems. The role of treatment and other interventions is crucial in addressing these, with residential rehabilitation, withdrawal management and counselling making up the current treatment options. The evidence base for stimulant-specific interventions and treatment is modest, but building, recognising the need for effective support that acknowledges the frequent experience of discrimination with this substance. This presentation will discuss where the AoD sector goes from here…
Dr Suzie Hudson is an accredited mental health Social Worker and has over 20 years’ clinical experience in the fields of substance misuse, mental health, forensics, research and evaluation. Suzie has worked, developed and managed community-based and residential alcohol and drug services both in Australia and overseas with a focus on methamphetamines. Suzie has a PhD in public health and community medicine and is currently the Clinical Director at NADA (Network of Alcohol and Drugs Agencies) focused on developing training and resources designed to enhance the capacity of the AOD treatment sector. Suzie continues to maintain a private counselling, consultation and clinical supervision practice – with an emphasis on supporting people who use methamphetamine and their networks.
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia 2016-17: key findings. 2018 [Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol-other-drug-treatment-services/aodts-2016-17-data-visualisations/contents/principal-drug-of-concern].
This bonus webinar is brought to you by Insight and NCCRED (National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs).
