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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Jun 25:12:67.
doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-12-67.

Breakingtheice: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of an internet-based intervention addressing amphetamine-type stimulant use

Robert J Tait  1 , Rebecca McKetin, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Kylie Bennett, Ada Tam, Anthony Bennett, Jenny Geddes, Adam Garrick, Helen Christensen, Kathleen M Griffiths
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Breakingtheice: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of an internet-based intervention addressing amphetamine-type stimulant use

Robert J Tait et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulant use is greater than that of opioids and cocaine combined. Currently, there are no approved pharmacotherapy treatments for amphetamine-type stimulant problems, but some face-to-face psychotherapies are of demonstrated effectiveness. However, most treatment services focus on alcohol or opioid disorders, have limited reach and may not appeal to users of amphetamine-type stimulants. Internet interventions have proven to be effective for some substance use problems but none has specifically targeted users of amphetamine-type stimulants.

Design/method: The study will use a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effect of an internet intervention for amphetamine-type stimulant problems compared with a waitlist control group. The primary outcome will be assessed as amphetamine-type stimulant use (baseline, 3 and 6 months). Other outcomes measures will include 'readiness to change', quality of life, psychological distress (K-10 score), days out of role, poly-drug use, help-seeking intention and help-seeking behavior. The intervention consists of three modules requiring an estimated total completion time of 90 minutes. The content of the modules was adapted from face-to-face clinical techniques based on cognitive behavior therapy and motivation enhancement. The target sample is 160 men and women aged 18 and over who have used amphetamine-type stimulants in the last 3 months.

Discussion: To our knowledge this will be the first randomized controlled trial of an internet intervention specifically developed for users of amphetamine-type stimulants. If successful, the intervention will offer greater reach than conventional therapies and may engage clients who do not generally seek treatment from existing service providers.

Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.anzctr.org.au/) ACTRN12611000947909.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participant flow through the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Screen shot from module 1 – money problems.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Screen shot from module 2 – weighing up the pros and cons of changing drug use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Baker A, Lee NK, Jenner L. Models of intervention and care for psychostimulant users. 2. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra; 2004.
    1. Drug Strategy Ministerial Council on. National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy 2008-2011. [ http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing....]
    1. United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. World Drug Report: Volume 1 Analysis. United Nations Publication, Vienna; 2006.
    1. United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. Patterns and Trends of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and other Drugs. Asia and the Pacific, Vienna; 2010. pp. 1–158.
    1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. AIHW, Canberra; 2011.

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