Evaluating Methamphetamine Assist Packs

Evaluation of methamphetamine assist packs: As-needed antipsychotics for self-management of methamphetamine-associated psychiatric toxicity

Description:

Methamphetamine use and related morbidity and mortality have increased substantially in recent years.  Half of methamphetamine-related emergency department visits in the U.S. are due to psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, paranoid or grandiose delusions, and impulsivity. Antipsychotic medications have been shown to reduce symptoms of methamphetamine-induced psychosis.  The San Francisco Department of Public Health piloted Methamphetamine Assist Packs containing olanzapine to be self-administered as needed in the event of psychosis, anxiety, agitation, or inability to sleep following methamphetamine use.  This lecture describes and the pilot Methamphetamine Assist Pack ("Chill Pack") program.  Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of those served by the pilot program are described.  The use of psychiatric emergency services before and after receipt of the Methamphetamine Assist Pack is evaluated.

Learning objectives:

At the conclusion of this seminar, attendees should be able to:
Describe morbidity and mortality associated with methamphetamine use.
Describe the psychiatric symptoms of methamphetamine toxicity.
Describe the mechanism of action and safety profile of olanzapine.
Evaluate the impact of providing a Methamphetamine Assist Pack to individuals to self-administer to self-treat psychiatric symptoms of methamphetamine toxicity.
 

Learn more & register
 

For trainings that indicate Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available, contact the organizer and/or the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation to verify that the credits will count toward the continuing education requirements of your licensure or certification.