Methamphetamine Treatment Centers of Excellence

Funding: The Substance Abuse Block Grant, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
Partners: Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS); Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center (PSATTC); and three community service providers.
Program description: Arizona Methamphetamine Treatment Centers of Excellence is an initiative to address the growing problem of methamphetamine abuse, which was the second-leading cause of substance abuse treatment in Arizona in 2005. Three outpatient centers have implemented an evidence-based treatment program designed to reduce or eliminate methamphetamine abuse and dependence among their clients, long-term. Key elements of the "whole patient approach" include motivational interviewing, therapeutic urinalysis, contingency management with incentives, community reinforcement, and cognitive behavioral therapy. As the effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated, it will positively affect the culture of substance abuse treatment centers across the state.
CABHP's Role: CABHP assessed the need for effective treatment for methamphetamine abuse and researched the scientific literature to determine the most effective treatment model. We then designed the program and led its implementation, training service providers in the treatment methods and designing and maintaining a data portal to track outcomes. We provide technical support and program evaluation, and have designed curriculum that teaches evidence-based treatment for methamphetamine use.
Partnership Began: 2006
Project Leader: Michael Shafer
Related Links: Methamphetamine Treatment Centers of Excellence -- http://www.azag.gov/StopMeth/ArizonaMethamphetamineTreatmentCentersOfExcellence.pdf
PSATTC -- http://www.psattc.org/
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Methamphetamine page-- http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/Methamphetamine.html
SAMHSA-- http://www.samhsa.gov/
ADHS-- http://www.azdhs.gov/
DBHS-- http://www.azdhs.gov/bhs/