Methamphetamine abuse: issues for special populations

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse has been a problem in the western United States for decades. However, recently the incidence of MA abuse has risen to epidemic levels in some regions and among particular subgroups of the population. Recognizing the need to develop effective treatments for MA dependence, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) established a multisite Methamphetamine Treatment Program (MTP) that compares the Matrix Model treatment program for MA to the treatments as usual at seven community-based clinics in California, Montana and Hawaii. Examination of the clients receiving services though this project provides an opportunity to explore particular issues of diverse special populations who are impacted by the problem of MA dependence. These groups include rural Americans, Native Americans, Hawaiians, gay and bisexual males and drug court participants. Specifically, this article examines cultural, geographic and situational barriers to accessing and completing treatment and presents strategies that have been used to overcome these barriers.