Patient discussions

Advise patients to:

  1. Avoid further use of amphetamines or any other stimulant.

  2. Enroll in a drug treatment program.

However, in practice, not all people with amphetamine/methamphetamine use disorders will be interested in substance use treatment at any one point in time. Harm reduction strategies are especially important for this group.

For people continuing to use drugs, harm reduction strategies include offering information and advice on:[23]

  • Needle/syringe exchange

  • Use of clean supplies for drug use

  • Avoidance of using substances alone

  • Avoidance of mixing substances

  • Fentanyl test strips (to identify drugs laced with fentanyl)

  • Naloxone

  • Prevention of HIV/hepatitis A/sexually transmitted infections

  • Access to other supportive resources (e.g., housing, employment, etc.)

Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous may be of benefit: Narcotics Anonymous Opens in new window

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer