Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Methamphetamine Use Disorder: A Systematic Review

Given the global increase in the use of methamphetamine, there has been exponential increase in the number of its users seeking treatment, and pressing need for effective rehabilitation therapies.  This review looks at 44 existing studies from Jan 1995 to Feb 2020 to identify effective non-pharmaceutical approaches for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder.  It was found that behavioural interventions (i.e. i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), exercise, residential rehabilitation based therapies, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and matrix model) were effective in promoting abstinence, and reduce methaphetamine use or craving in participants. While behavioural interventions should be considered as first line of treatment, future studies should address the longevity of the effects.

This study was commissioned by MHA and conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). N.B.: This report is hosted on an external website.

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