What are treatment options for people with methamphetamine (meth) use disorder?

People with methamphetamine use disorder and those who use methamphetamine have treatment options if they want help.

Substance use disorder treatment involves professionally delivered psychosocial treatment and/or medications to reduce problematic drug use and improve health and quality of life. These services are provided in a variety of settings. This includes specialized treatment facilities like outpatient, inpatient, or residential centers. It can also include medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics. We at DPA believe that people should be able to choose the options that work best for them.

An evidence-based approach that helps treat methamphetamine use disorders is called Contingency Management. It involves providing incentives, like money or prizes, for positive treatment outcomes. Decades of research from around the world show that it is a successful approach with diverse populations. Clients often reduce drug use, stay in treatment for longer, and have better health outcomes.

There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder.

We need a health approach to methamphetamine (meth).

People who use methamphetamine can face risks, including stimulant overdose or overamping. Learn more about how drug decriminalization and investing in health, harm reduction services, overdose prevention centers, and safer supply can keep people safer.

Reviewed and updated by Jules Netherland, PhD, and Dr. Sheila P. Vakharia on 05/26/2023.