Crystal Methamphetamine Prevention and Treatment at Fenway Community Health

1. Crystal Methamphetamine Prevention and Treatment at Fenway Community Health Rodney VanDerwarker1, Kenneth H. Mayer, MD1,2, Stephen L. Boswell, MD1 `1Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, 2Brown University/Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, INTRODUCTION The mission of Fenway Community Health is to enhance the physical and mental health of our community, which includes those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The reported rise in crystal meth use and its connections to new HIV and other sexually transmitted infections from providers and other staff prompted Fenway Community Health to organize prevention and treatment services in an attempt to address the community’s needs. PREVENTION In July 2004, Fenway Community Health began a public awareness campaign about crystal meth use among MSM and the services Fenway offers. Palm cards and posters were printed and placed in community venues. Advertisements were placed in public transportation stations near places where larger concentrations of MSM live. Additionally, advertisements were placed on www.Manhunt.net, an on-line hook-up site for MSM. Ads have averaged a .04% click through rate. In November 2004, a new website with information about crystal meth, the connection between crystal meth and sex, personal stories of former users and staff who oversee our services and area resources went live.A community forum was held in October 2004 involving local educators, providers and activists to discuss crystal use in the community. A follow-up forum is planned for Spring 2005. Home page of http://www.fenwayhealth.org/crystalmeth/home.htm Samples of posters distributed and hung in social venues, clubs, bars and community based organizations. Advertisements in public transportation stations and trains Samples of palm cards distributed by outreach workers at clubs, bars, community events and public sex areas. TREATMENT The number of people seeking treatment for crystal meth addiction at Fenway Community Health (FCH) has increased over the past two years. From February 2003 through January 204, FCH had 361 intakes in its substance abuse treatment program, 45 (12 percent) of which reported crystal meth as their primary drug of concern. But from February 2004 to December 2004, of 266 intakes, 52 people (20percent) reported crystal meth as their primary drug of concern. Fenway provides services to meet these growing needs. Acupuncture DetoxFor those who want immediate help in breaking the cycle of Crystal Meth use, Fenway offers acupuncture detoxification services on a daily walk-in basis during treatment center hours. Clinics are offered twice a day, six times a week.Contracting for SobrietyOn-going group for people committed to sobriety and those in early recovery. Participants are screened and asked to attend an orientation group. The group meets weekly with a trained clinician. In the past year, an additional group to meet the growing demand for services. There continues to be a wait list for the two groups. Breaking the CycleOngoing group for people whose primary drug use is Crystal Meth. This is a free, walk-in group where attendees can get risk reduction information, referrals, short-term counseling and support. Attendees are not required to be sober to attend. Crystal Meth Anonymous Meetings The rise in crystal meth use and its effects prompted FCH to organize a public forum on on March 17, 2003. As a result of this meeting, Boston’s first chapter of Crystal Meth Anonymous was started. Crystal Meth Anonymous is a meeting of people for whom crystal meth has become a serious problem. The members of Crystal Meth Anonymous meet regularly, share support and fellowship, and create a safe environment in which to stay clean.. Fenway Community Health has offered space free of charge for the group to meet. Meetings generally include 10-20 people and are held weekly. Due to a rising demand, an additional meeting time was added at Fenway.