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Forum proceedings/overview of workshop

This overview discusses the use of methamphetamine, its immediate and long-term effects, available treatment options, and prevention strategies. Learn how to support individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction and promote community well-being.

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Forum proceedings/overview of workshop

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  1. Forum proceedings/overview of workshop

  2. See the person not the drug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeM85Uii6F0

  3. AMPHETAMINE TYPE STIMULANTS (ATS) Amphetamine Dexamphetamine Other pharmaceuticals Methamphetamine Powder (speed) Powder methamphetamine ‘speed’ 10% purity Usually snorted or injected Damp/oily methamphetamine ‘base’ 20% purity - usually swallowed Crystalline methamphetamine (aka ice, crystal, meth) Up to 80% purity Usually smoked or injected Base Ice

  4. What’s going on with “ice”? • Data suggests existing users switching from ‘speed’ to ‘ice’ • 70% of users are occasional users • 30% of users are regular users • 10-15% of users are weekly/daily users • The heaviest users of this drug are 20-29 year olds • Use is also higher in those who: • are already engaged in drug use • unemployed • live in regional and remote areas • LGBTQI communities • Various data sources report: • treatment seeking and emergency department admissions increasing • higher purity of the drug available • price of ‘ice’ decreasing • high levels of ‘ice’ in wastewater

  5. How does methamphetamine work? • Dopamine • Pleasure • Motivation • Attention and memory • Planning • Noradrenaline • Arousal • Mood • Attention • Flight or fight • Serotonin • Mood • Sleep • Cognition • Perception • Body temperature

  6. Immediate effects • Low dose: • Euphoria (high) • Confidence • Alertness • Motivation • Talkativeness • Decreased appetite • Higher dose: • Aggressiveness, hostility and violence • Nervousness, anxious, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations , etc. • Psychotic symptoms • Overdose/stroke/seizure • Increased: • Energy • Heart rate • Body temperature • Sex drive

  7. ‘Crash’ • Exhaustion, fatigue • Sleep disturbance • Mood disturbances – typically flat mood • Cravings • Generalised aches and pains

  8. Long term effects • Decrease motivation • Depression and anxiety • Poor concentration/memory • Psychotic symptoms • Agitation and aggression • Disturbed sleep • Weight loss • Dependence • Chest pains • Damage to dopamine receptors

  9. Debbie’s story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVA3Pj6gBGk

  10. Know that help is out there Withdrawal and treatment

  11. Types of treatment available include: • Withdrawal management/detoxification programs • Stimulant Treatment Program (STP) • Counselling – out-patient • Residential rehabilitation • Online and phone counselling (24 hours) • Youth specific services (outreach) • Aboriginal specific AOD services • Mental health services • Self-help/peer support (Crystal Methamphetamine Anonymous or Narcotic Anonymous programs) • Family support/therapy

  12. Withdrawal • Typically commences 2-4 days after last use • Peaks in severity over 7-10 days – subsides over 2-4 weeks • Strong cravings • Fluctuating mood and energy levels: irritability, restlessness, anxiety and agitation • Fatigue - disturbed sleep, vivid dreams, insomnia • General aches, pains, headaches • Muscle tension • Increased appetite • Poor concentration and attention

  13. Counselling works • The earlier people seek treatment, the better the outcomes • Brief therapy: 2-4 sessions increases abstinence rates in dependent users • Mid-length therapy: showed that 12 sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness reduced drug use • Long term therapy: showed residential rehab is effective increasing abstinence

  14. Pharmacological treatment • Currently there is no ‘magic pill’ (drug based treatment) available to treat ‘ice’ dependence • Managing the symptoms of withdrawal/detoxification through medication may be helpful • Brief psycho-social treatment (i.e. counselling) seems to be the most effective in treating people who are dependent on ’ice’

  15. Working with families • Stay connected to the person • Provide information and support • Explain how their behaviour is impacting you/family life • Understand ‘binge and crash’ cycles and home life • Psychosis • Crisis plans

  16. Responding to an intoxicated person • Be aware that an intoxicated person has impaired judgement and will probably see the interaction differently to you • Create a calm environment – try to promote a positive, helpful interaction • Maintain a calm, non-judgemental respectful approach • Allow more personal space than usual • Call an ambulance/police if you are worried about medical emergency/violence

  17. We’re all in this togetherPrevention and what can communities do?

  18. It takes a village... “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

  19. Kimberly midnight swimming program shelters Aboriginal teens Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-02/

  20. Midnight Basketball • Providing healthy and positive environment at times when young people may be vulnerable to harmful and anti-social behaviour • Combating AOD use and other physical abuse Providing positive role models • Raising self esteem among young people • Diverting young people in areas of need from the risk of anti-social and criminal behaviour

  21. People use alcohol and drugs every day • We know why people take drugs • We know the harms • We know the risk factors

  22. Risk factors • Disconnection • Abusive relationships • Trauma • Mental illness • Unemployment • Availability • Friends/peer use

  23. What can I do? • Be informed about alcohol and drugs • Be a good role model/mentor • Discuss alcohol and drug use with your child • Join your local Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) • Join a ‘Good Sports Club’ • Develop safe environments that reduce risk of harmful drug use • Be part of the solution

  24. Summary • Crystalline methamphetamines use still relatively low – and the majority of users are taking the drug less than monthly • Where use is high the impact is great – for both the user and their family and friends • The drug is more available, cheaper and purity is high • Help and support is available – treatment works

  25. Where to go for more info Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) NSW Sydney metropolitan: 02 9361 8000 Regional & rural NSW free call: *1800 422 599 Website: http://yourroom.com.au/ Stimulant Treatment Line (NSW only) Sydney metropolitan: 02 9361 8088 Regional and rural NSW free call: *1800 10 11 88 Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 (24/7) http://www.fds.org.au/

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