[A preliminary study on outpatient relapse prevention program for methamphetamine dependent patients: Serigaya...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Context:

• Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) has been a persistent issue in Japan for over 50 years.
• Existing treatment options, primarily hospitalization for psychosis and self-help groups, are insufficient for preventing relapse.
• There is a critical need for effective, outpatient-based MUD treatment programs adopting a chronic care model.

Purpose:

• To develop and pilot a manual- and workbook-based relapse prevention program for Japanese methamphetamine abusers.
• To adapt and integrate elements of the established "Matrix" model with other therapeutic materials.
• To assess the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of this adapted program in an outpatient setting.

Summary:

• A preliminary study involved four methamphetamine-dependent patients in an outpatient setting, implementing a twice-weekly, two-month program.
• Participants (average age 30, varied abstinence periods, some with prior incarceration) completed the program with negative urine samples.
• Despite program completion, two participants dropped out of outpatient treatment within a month post-program, indicating challenges in long-term retention.

Impact:

• The adapted relapse prevention program demonstrates potential for successful delivery in an outpatient setting for Japanese methamphetamine abusers.
• The program showed a favorable treatment retention effect during its active phase.
• Further research is needed to address post-program treatment retention and long-term recovery outcomes.