Money For Nothing… –

February 26, 2020 – Meth use is skyrocketing nationally, but there are few options available for treatment. San Francisco has been hit hard. Meth is now involved in a fifth of drug arrests in the city and is tied to about half of visits to the psychiatric emergency room.  Unlike with opioids, there are no federally approved medications for meth addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recognizes contingency management as an effective strategy, and it has been embraced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  “When it comes to opioids or alcohol, we have other options. But this really stands out for stimulants,” said Laura Thomas, director of harm reduction policy at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.  Her organization runs the Positive Reinforcement Opportunity Project, which aims to help members of the LGBT community stop using meth. The 12-week program offers counseling and has participants take observed urine tests three times each week.  For each negative test, participants earn rewards. They can finish the treatment with up to $330 in gift certificates.

@SFChronicle