A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder
Abstract Introduction We examined acceptability of and preferences for potential medications for treating methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) among people who use methamphetamine and examined how benefits and drawbacks of methamphetamine use affect perceived acceptability and preferences. Methods We...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Addiction Science & Clinical Practice |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-023-00401-1 |
| _version_ | 1797557407534022656 |
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| author | Karla D. Wagner Charles Marks Phillip Fiuty Robert W. Harding Kimberly Page |
| author_facet | Karla D. Wagner Charles Marks Phillip Fiuty Robert W. Harding Kimberly Page |
| author_sort | Karla D. Wagner |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction We examined acceptability of and preferences for potential medications for treating methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) among people who use methamphetamine and examined how benefits and drawbacks of methamphetamine use affect perceived acceptability and preferences. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews as part of a larger study in 2019–2020. The interview assessed patterns of substance use (including methamphetamine), benefits and drawbacks of methamphetamine use, and interest in a medication to treat MUD. Analysis used an inductive thematic approach, guided by three primary questions: (1) would participants be interested in taking a potential medication for MUD?; (2) what effects would they would like from such a medication?; and (3) what would their ideal treatment route and schedule be (e.g. daily pill, monthly injection)?. Results We interviewed 20 people reporting methamphetamine use in the past 3 months (10 from Reno, Nevada, USA and 10 from Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, USA). Seven used exclusively methamphetamine, while thirteen used other substances in addition to methamphetamine. Most were enthusiastic about a potential medication to treat MUD. Of those who were not interested (n = 5), all indicated no current concerns about their methamphetamine use. Perceived functional benefits of methamphetamine use (i.e., energy, counteracting opioid sedation, and improved social and emotional wellbeing) informed preferences for a replacement-type medication that would confer the same benefits while mitigating drawbacks (e.g., psychosis, hallucinations, withdrawal). Opinions on preferred dosing varied, with some preferring longer acting medications for convenience, while others preferred daily dosing that would align with existing routines. Conclusion Participants were excited about a potential for a medication to treat MUD. Their preferences were informed by the functional role of methamphetamine in their lives and a desire to maintain the stimulant effects while mitigating harms of illicit methamphetamine. Treatment outcomes that emphasize functioning and wellbeing, rather than abstinence, should be explored. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:16:38Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ce0fd065177e4f79851af102a071f243 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1940-0640 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:16:38Z |
| publishDate | 2023-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Addiction Science & Clinical Practice |
| spelling | doaj.art-ce0fd065177e4f79851af102a071f2432023-11-20T10:28:53ZengBMCAddiction Science & Clinical Practice1940-06402023-08-011811910.1186/s13722-023-00401-1A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorderKarla D. Wagner0Charles Marks1Phillip Fiuty2Robert W. Harding3Kimberly Page4School of Public Health, University of NevadaSchool of Public Health, University of NevadaThe Mountain Center Harm Reduction CenterSchool of Public Health, University of NevadaUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAbstract Introduction We examined acceptability of and preferences for potential medications for treating methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) among people who use methamphetamine and examined how benefits and drawbacks of methamphetamine use affect perceived acceptability and preferences. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews as part of a larger study in 2019–2020. The interview assessed patterns of substance use (including methamphetamine), benefits and drawbacks of methamphetamine use, and interest in a medication to treat MUD. Analysis used an inductive thematic approach, guided by three primary questions: (1) would participants be interested in taking a potential medication for MUD?; (2) what effects would they would like from such a medication?; and (3) what would their ideal treatment route and schedule be (e.g. daily pill, monthly injection)?. Results We interviewed 20 people reporting methamphetamine use in the past 3 months (10 from Reno, Nevada, USA and 10 from Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, USA). Seven used exclusively methamphetamine, while thirteen used other substances in addition to methamphetamine. Most were enthusiastic about a potential medication to treat MUD. Of those who were not interested (n = 5), all indicated no current concerns about their methamphetamine use. Perceived functional benefits of methamphetamine use (i.e., energy, counteracting opioid sedation, and improved social and emotional wellbeing) informed preferences for a replacement-type medication that would confer the same benefits while mitigating drawbacks (e.g., psychosis, hallucinations, withdrawal). Opinions on preferred dosing varied, with some preferring longer acting medications for convenience, while others preferred daily dosing that would align with existing routines. Conclusion Participants were excited about a potential for a medication to treat MUD. Their preferences were informed by the functional role of methamphetamine in their lives and a desire to maintain the stimulant effects while mitigating harms of illicit methamphetamine. Treatment outcomes that emphasize functioning and wellbeing, rather than abstinence, should be explored.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-023-00401-1MethamphetaminePharmacotherapiesQualitative researchPatient-centered outcomes |
| spellingShingle | Karla D. Wagner Charles Marks Phillip Fiuty Robert W. Harding Kimberly Page A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder Addiction Science & Clinical Practice Methamphetamine Pharmacotherapies Qualitative research Patient-centered outcomes |
| title | A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder |
| title_full | A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder |
| title_fullStr | A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder |
| title_full_unstemmed | A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder |
| title_short | A qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder |
| title_sort | qualitative study of interest in and preferences for potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder |
| topic | Methamphetamine Pharmacotherapies Qualitative research Patient-centered outcomes |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-023-00401-1 |
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