What treatment is available?
There's a number of different options available if peple decide to get specialist meth treatment.
Stimulant Treatment Programs
Several specific stimulant treatment programs are currently being evaluated in NSW and Victoria. Treatment involves assessment and counselling, education, support, general medical advice, and specialised treatment for people who also have mental health issues.
Click on this link to find out more about Access Point Clinics in Melbourne (www.accesspoint.org.au), or call ADIS in your state for local referral.
Counselling
CognitiveRefers to thoughts or thinking. behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in helping people to cut down or stop using meth. CBT is a short-term, focused, talking therapy that aims to help people manage unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving that contribute to problems with meth use. CBT is also very effective for mental health problems such as depressionA disorder of mood which usually involves feeling 'flat' or sad; disturbed sleep; poor concentration; loss of interest in sex, eating, or other enjoyable activities; irritability; aches and pains; avoidance of social contact; and possibly suicidal thoughts. and anxietyAn extended period of worry or nervousness that's hard to control - can involve poor sleep and difficulty concentrating, as well as feeling restless, tired, and irritable.. Other counselling approaches that are also used include narrative therapy and solution focused therapy.
Counselling is offered by alcohol and drug treatment services, mental health services, psychologists and counsellors in private practice, and some general practitioners. Call ADIS in your state for referral.
Online counselling
CounsellingOnline is a service where people can communicate with a professional counsellor about any alcohol or drug related concerns using chat or messenger-style interaction. This service is free for anyone seeking help with their own drug use or the drug use of a family member, relative or friend. CounsellingOnline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across Australia. www.counsellingonline.org.au.
Self-help / mutual support groups
A 12-step group exists for meth users, crystal meth anonymous, which is running in some areas of Australia such as Sydney (www.sydcma.com/index.htm). Users of meth can attend narcotics anonymous meetings in other areas (see www.naoz.org.au/community/index.php for meeting details).
Recently introduced into Australia is SMART recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training), which combines mutual support with elements of cognitive behaviour therapy. New groups are regularly being launched throughout Australia, so check the website for details: www.smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au
Residential rehab
Residential treatment (residential rehabilitationMedium to long-term treatment option offered in a home-like setting.) usually involves living in a home-like environment for several months. Studies have shown that it's effective for some people. Days are usually structured around group therapy, individual counselling and other activities. Call ADIS in your state for contact details in your local area.
Medication
There is no drug yet available in Australia that is specific for meth withdrawalProcess of detoxing from meth in someone who is dependent. or that helps people stay off meth. Trials of several medications are currently underway in Australia.
Medications to treat mental health problems should be taken when needed. If you think you might need medication support, contact your general practitioner, local alcohol and drug treatment service, or mental health service. Call ADIS for referral.