A profile of amphetamine users who present to treatment services and do not return

Long-term heavy amphetamine use can cause a variety of health and social pr oblems, yet few amphetamine users seek professional help. When they do over come the barriers and present to a drug agency, many never return after the initial visit. This paper focuses on amphetamine users who presented to tr eatment services in the North-West of England, but who failed to re-attend. The profile of those who left treatment describes amphetamine users who ar e likely to be younger, on probation, using more recreational drugs and who se parents are aware of their attendance at a drug service. Analyses of the changes in amphetamine use over time show an initial decline in the freque ncy and amount of amphetamine used for the 'early leavers', similar to that of amphetamine users who are continuing in treatment. This reduction is no t replicated by the early leavers in the second month, although it becomes more pronounced for those still receiving treatment. It is suggested that t he high degree of motivation required by amphetamine users to seek help fro m a drug service provides a strong incentive for preliminary behaviour chan ge even without continued treatment. However, sustained reduction in amphet amine use is assisted by the support and guidance of skilled drug workers.