Characteristics of amphetamine users seeking information, help and treatment in Adelaide, South Australia

This study was designed as a needs assessment for interventions to respond to hazardous and harmful amphetamine use, including options for treatment. Research techniques from Rapid Assessment Methodology (RAM) were utilized to collect data. This included a survey of 100 amphetamine users, from which the data for the current paper has been drawn. This paper is focused on the characteristics of those who had sought information and help in the sample, and on those who were dependent on amphetamine and who felt they needed treatment, in comparison to those who were also dependent but did not feel the need for treatment. Findings in regard to treatment-seekers were largely consistent with previous Australian and overseas research, and thus underscore the importance of considering psychological morbidity, both prior and subsequent to amphetamine use, in treatment settings for amphetamine users. Having previously sought general information about amphetamines, safer drug use and blood-borne diseases was best predicted by higher sexual risk-taking and poorer physical functioning. Having previously sought help for an amphetamine-related concern or problem was best predicted by higher severity of dependence on amphetamines and poorer social functioning. Peers were considered to be important sources of information and help, as were GPs, In developing interventions for amphetamine users, consideration should be given to the characteristics of those who seek particular types of assistance.