Treatment of methamphetamine use disorders: an update

Methamphetamine (MA) is a major public health and criminal justice problem in much of the Western and Midwestern US, and its use seems to be increasing east of the Mississippi River. MA use can produce significant psychiatric and medical consequences, including psychosis, dependence, overdose, and death. Cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management are among the most promising approaches for treatment of MA abuse and dependence. A multisite study evaluating the Matrix Model of outpatient treatment will soon be completed to provide data on this manualized approach. An ambitious program of pharmacotherapy development research is currently being sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in geographic areas significantly affected by MA use. The development of treatments for MA-related problems is particularly critical for a number of user groups including MA users who experience persistent psychosis, pregnant women and women with children, gay and bisexual men, and MA users involved in the criminal justice system.