Attitudes of Amphetamine Users Towards Treatment Services

Abstract

Amphetamine users form the second largest group of illicit drug users in Britain, yet rarely present to treatment services. It is unknown whether this is due to a relative lack of need in comparison with other drug users, or a result of the opiate orientation of drug services. This paper presents data on attitudes to services from a matched case control study of amphetamine users in treatment, undertaken in the Northwest of England. Respondents’ attitudes to and expectations of treatment services, and their previous experiences of treatment are described, and the factors which influenced clients to overcome the barriers and present for treatment are explored. The paper concludes with a consideration of strategies that could increase the relevance and accessibility of services to amphetamine users at an earlier stage of their drug-using career in order to avoid the need for crisis interventions later.