NDARC recorded webinar: Perspectives of people who use methamphetamine on contingency management

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre recently held a webinar titled, “Perspectives of people who use methamphetamine on contingency management”. Methamphetamine dependency can be notoriously difficult to treat with this form of treatment showing promise in the UK and US with large treatment effects in helping people reduce their substance use.

Thirty participants who use methamphetamine were interviewed about contingency management, a treatment option with a material reward for remaining abstinent via urine tests. There was support for what sounded like a unique approach from participants, also divergent views on material rewards being seen either as a positive reinforcer, or more coercion or stigmatising from others. There were views about people taking advantage and ‘working the system’ while other participants said this would help with commitment. Interestingly, many participants said a contingency program could help on the journey to abstinence and for some this would be their longer treatment goal, so adaptive and flexible programs need to be considered. 

Watch “Perspectives of people who use methamphetamine on contingency management” (55 minutes)