FMP 078 • Stimulants (Methamphetamines) – Horrors, Harms, & Care Options

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“Meth does not discriminate.“

Methamphetamine Resurgence

Methamphetamine is the most destructive non-pharmaceutical substance impacting every sector of society. It results in both violent and non-violent crime in every community it impacts. This is evidenced by the work done by the Montana Meth Project. In today’s episode, we discuss the anecdotal increase in use on the streets in Vancouver, BC, and the increased presentations reported in the healthcare system. A case is made for a care model focused clinical interventions to manage anxiety and depression for the first few months of abstinence, with a concurrent emphasis on psycho-social rehab.

Episode Outline

FMP 078 – Methamphetamine Addiction

1. What We Do:
   • Behavioural Medicine and Health Psychology
   • Providing easily accessible content designed to help you design your own transformative experience.
2. Today:
   • Talk about the current state of stimulant abuse/dependance I am seeing.
   • Play a short clip of a meth dealer turned counsellor.
   • Talk about the harms as stimulant dependance takes over the streets.
   • Talk about what treatment looks like.
   • Talk about treatment options, or the lack there of.
3. How to Listen:
   • Can find this episode on podcast apps such as iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.
   • Can watch on YouTube later today.

Stimulants Are Coming Back

1. I am seeing a significant number of folks on the street with stimulant presentations (DTES).
   • Individuals are see on the streets by outreach workers
   • Individuals frequently present to EDs.
   • Individuals present with drug induced psychosis – Impulsive, dangerous (running in front of traffic), sometimes violent behaviour.
   • Causes an increase in violent crime and non-violent crime.
   • Leads to early death.
   • Affects every sector.
2. Close friend, Mari, shares her story.
3. How we care for those struggling with stimulant dependance.
   • Allow them to rest.
   • Provide options to manage anxiety and depression in the weeks to follow.
   • Provide as much psycho-social intervention as possible.
4. Why people return to using?
   • Weight gain.
   • “Nothing to live for.”
   • “Not as bad as down.”
5. There are a lack of treatment options:
   • No direct medical intervention for stimulants. (Suboxone or Methadone for opioid dependance).
   • A lot like alcohol treatment – A strong focus on psycho-social screening and intervention.
   • There has been some research on providing stimulants as a form of harm reduction – No clear positive outcomes.
   • Prevention is likely the key.

Thank You!

1. Hope today’s episode was helpful.
2. Please continue to provide us feedback about content you are interested in.
3. Check us out on YouTube as well – Regular videos and livestreams.

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