200804
HIV and Crystal Methamphetamine
POSITION STATEMENT
Approved by the Board of Trustees, December 2008
Approved by the Assembly, November 2008
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"Policy documents are approved by the APA Assembly and Board of Trustees… These are …position statements that define APA official policy on specific subjects…" -- APA Operations Manual. |
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Psychiatrists who work with patients who are using or at risk of using methamphetamine are encouraged to:
1. Address the problem using an integrated interdisciplinary treatment model.
2. Identify the adverse effects on the family and children with appropriate assessment, treatment and referral. This includes assessing domestic violence and assuring safety.
3. Assess and treat co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
4. Promote a recovery model utilizing evidence based practices, including harm reduction approaches, motivational interviewing techniques, individual and group behavioral therapies, and long-term rehabilitation if necessary.
5. Address safer sex practices utilizing behavioral interventions.
6. Interact with the legal system for patients mandated to treatment.