Methamphetamine abuse: Issues for special populations

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse has been a problem in the western United States for decades. However, recently the incidence of MA abuse has risen to epide mic levels in some regions and among particular subgroups of the population . Recognizing the need to develop effective treatments for MA dependence, t he Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) established a multisite Meth amphetamine Treatment Program (MTP) that compares the Matrix Model treatmen t program for MA to the treatments as usual at seven community-based clinic s in California, Montana and Hawaii. Examination of the clients receiving s ervices though this project provides an opportunity to explore particular i ssues of diverse special populations who am impacted by the problem of MA d ependence. These groups include rural Americans, Native Americans, Hawaiian s, gay and bisexual males and drug court participants. Specifically, this a rticle examines cultural, geographic and situational barriers to accessing and completing treatment and presents strategies that have been used to ove rcome these barriers.