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A review of psychosocial interventions for amphetamine use
Author(s) -
BAKER AMANDA,
LEE NICOLE K.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/0959523031000154472
Subject(s) - contingency management , psychosocial , amphetamine , psychological intervention , motivational interviewing , intervention (counseling) , psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , neuroscience , dopamine
There are clear signs that amphetamine use is increasing in Australia and internationally, yet there are few services that offer amphetamine‐specific interventions. This review examines the evidence for the use of psychosocial interventions for amphetamine users. The literature is very limited in the number of well‐conducted, controlled studies, but the evidence available suggests that cognitive‐behavioural therapy appears to be current best practice. Motivational interviewing has been recommended as a strategy to assist those ambivalent for treatment. There is also some evidence that contingency management is effective while clients are in treatment. The effectiveness of other types of intervention is not well supported. The literature is particularly hindered by a paucity of well‐conducted studies among primary amphetamine users. Recommendations about appropriate interventions for use in clinical settings are offered and directions for future research are considered.