Combining Motivational Interviewing And Cognitive-Behavioral Skills Training For The Treatment Of Crystal Methamphetamine Abuse/Dependence

Methamphetamine addiction in men having sex with men (MSM) represents a particular challenge to the clinician. It requires attention both to the fundamental skills the client needs to acquire in order to attain abstinence, and to the client's level of motivation to change his behavior. What follows is a brief review of the state of the art of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addictions in general, and for crystal meth specifically. Much of the material presented here is not specific to treatment of crystal meth addiction in gay men; however, there are some aspects of treatment that are specific to treating crystal problems in MSM that are highlighted through-out this paper. This paper goes on to present the rationale and basic strategies encompassed by both motivation enhancement and skills-based treatment approaches. (C) 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.