Better supporting people who use methamphetamine

Working with people who use methamphetamine can be complex. You might see high energy and intense focus one day, and then disorganisation or emotional overwhelm another. The impacts of methamphetamine use are broad, and they show up in ways that can challenge even the most experienced workers.

Methamphetamine is frequently used alongside alcohol or other drugs, making the risks even greater. And while the immediate effects get a lot of attention, it’s the longer term impacts that can make day to day support so difficult.

Over time, regular methamphetamine use can lead to enduring changes. Psychosis, anxiety, and depression are common. It’s more likely to bring on psychotic symptoms than other illicit drugs and people who use it are more likely to become dependent than those who use other psychostimulants.

For workers, this translates to some serious challenges.

You might see clients struggling to get to appointments, complete tasks, or follow through with goals. Taking on new information can be tough. So can stopping inappropriate behaviour, switching gears in conversation, or thinking through consequences. There may be unexpected emotional outbursts, heightened threat sensitivity, or difficulty with impulse control.

All of these are related to how methamphetamine impacts the brain, from memory and concentration, to planning, decision making and emotion regulation.

So how do we respond to this in a way that’s evidence based, respectful, and effective?

Our practical online workshop, Breaking the Ice: Tailoring treatment for people who use methamphetamine, is designed to build your confidence and give you the tools you need to work more effectively with people who use methamphetamine. It’s about understanding how methamphetamine works on the brain and body and how to adapt your support to make a real difference in your clients.

Walk away with practical skills that you can implement immediately:

• Understand the unique effects of methamphetamine and how they impact treatment
• Identify and apply effective responses to improve outcomes for people who use methamphetamine
• Safely respond to complex behaviours, including heightened threat sensitivity, anxiety and psychosis

Whether you’re new to this work or you’ve been in the sector for years, Breaking the Ice: Tailoring treatment for people who use methamphetamine will leave you better equipped to meet your clients where they are.