Participants have been recruited at 8 sites in California, Hawaii, and Montana for a clinical trial of methamphetamine treatment comparing treatment as usual to the Matrix Model. From April 1999 through October 2000, 719 persons were recruited who were dependent on methamphetamine by DSM-IV criteria. A demographic description of the cohort as well as patterns of drug use and problems related to it will be presented. At entry, participants averaged 36.7 yrs, and 12.1 years of education. Ethnicity varied by site, but overall 58% were Caucasian, 19% Asian or Pacific Islander, 18% Latino, 3% Native American, and 2% African American. Women (58.5%) reported much higher rates of social and psychological problems than men, including unemployment, health problems, histories of physical and sexual abuse, and psychological problems, especially depression. The majority of all participants were under- or unemployed. Drug use included marijuana and/or alcohol. First use of methamphetamine typically began after age 20, and included 8 years of use; most had tried to stop using previously. The routes of administration reported varied among sites, but in general, the most common route was smoking, followed by injection. Additionally, to present a specific subset of minority users, more detailed data from Hawaii will be presented, where 59% are Asians and Pacific Islanders. At this site, which included only women, drug use was almost exclusively by smoking "ice", a highly pure form of methamphetamine. The Hawaii data include additional information on trauma history and posttraumatic stress.
Learning Objectives: To increase knowledge of the chacteristics of persons with methamphetmaine dependence, of their barriers to accessing care, and of the range of needs that can affect participation in treatment.
Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Underserved Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.