This book will concern the pharmacology, use, harms, and responses to the group of drugs known as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). ATS is a generic term used to refer to the group of drugs, which are chemically related to the parent component, alpha-methylphenthylamine, such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
In putting the book together, the authors were cautious about taking a ‘drug specific’ approach; they were mindful that many drug users do not simply use one drug or drug group. For example, many drinkers also smoke tobacco, use caffeine, occasionally use pharmaceutical drugs such as benzodiazepines, and sometimes use cannabis or other illegal drugs, while amphetamine users might also drink alcohol and sometimes use depressants to help manage some of the adverse effects of their amphetamine use. Drug specific approaches can artificially segment users, ignore common contributors to use and harm, and create divisions in care.
But a focus on ATS is important. First, there has been a steady worldwide increase in ATS use over the past decade or so and a significant number of people consume the drugs. The World Drug Report (2010) estimated that between 15 and 53 million people worldwide used ATS at least once in the preceding year and more than 100 countries across the world reported on consumption, treatment admissions, and among ‘at-risk’ groups, such as men who have sex with men and sex workers. Despite the high prevalence, we are still accumulating evidence about the effects of the drugs and the associated risks and harms. Second, while we have developed a range of prevention and treatment responses to a diverse range of drug problems, the research regarding ATS has lagged behind that for other drugs, such as alcohol and heroin. In particular, we have been less successful in engaging and retaining people affected by ATS-related problems in treatment, and we have a relatively limited evidence base about effective treatment.
While there are many commonalities across drug groups, there are also some specifics about patterns and contexts of use, pharmacology, and neurocognitive effects and harms that arise in relation to ATS use that need to be taken into consideration in our prevention and treatment effort.
In this book, you will find evidence about these specific issues, the pharmacology of ATS, the social contexts and meanings of use, associated risk taking, and potential harms for the individual consumer and his or her family and broader community. You will then find a range of perspectives, including the experiences and views of consumers, a parent, a police officer, and a range of emergency and health service staff.
The emerging evidence-base about law enforcement, prevention, and clinical responses to ATS use and related harm is explored. This will provide the background to a range of clinically-focused chapters, addressing brief and opportunistic interventions, treatment engagement and retention, stepped-care approaches, and responding to the specific needs of people with co-existing mental health problems, or people who are same sex-attracted or gender diverse persons. While each chapter stands alone, the editors will encourage you to approach the text as a series of related commentaries addressing critically linked issues. |
