This education activity will provide GPs with tools and strategies to build their skills and knowledge in order to respond to and treat methamphetamine users safely and effectively.

Relevance to General Practice

Amphetamine-type stimulants, such as methylamphetamine, are the second most widely used illicit drug in the world, following cannabis. The Australian methylamphetamine market remained fairly stable in the decade to 2010. However, in the past five years there has been significant growth in the detected importation, manufacture and supply of the drug. Following cannabis and MDMA, methylamphetamine is reported to be the third most commonly used illicit drug in Australia among people who have recently used drugs. Psychological, medical and social consequences of methylamphetamine use are as devastating to the community as they are to the individual user. crystal methylamphetamine users are more likely to demonstrate violent behaviours, including assaults and sexual assaults. These harms have placed significant demands on the resources of the health care system which treats both users and victims of the violent behaviour. (1).

(1) The Australian Methylamphetamine market (2015) by ACIC

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and assess the signs and symptoms of methamphetamine intoxication and dependence
2. Implement communication strategies to effectively engage with methamphetamine users
3. Implement a holistic intervention plan to assist methamphetamine users