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.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits Available
Participants in this program may earn the following CME credits:
✔ 1 AOA Category 1-A Credit✔ 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ (Approval Anticipated)✔ 1 AAPA Category 1 CME Credit (Approval Anticipated)✔ 1 Nurses CNE Credit (Approval Anticipated)
Earn valuable continuing education credits while enhancing your professional knowledge!
Phillip Coffin MD, MIA is a board-certified and practicing internist, infectious disease specialist, and addiction medicine specialist. He directs the Center on Substance Use and Health at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, including clinical trials assessing medications for multiple substance use disorders and interventions for opioid safety, overdose prevention, and HIV prevention.