Episode #185 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Thomas Freese and Methamphetamine Use DisorderEpisode #185 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Thomas Freese and Methamphetamine Use Disorder
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Thomas E. Freese, Ph.D., received his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1995. Dr. Freese is currently the Co-Director of UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs and Co-Director of the SAMHSA-funded Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center (PSATTC, HHS Region 9). Dr. Freese has served as Principal Investigator on numerous projects funded by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and Department of Health Care Services to train providers in a variety of evidence-based substance use disorder treatment practices (including medications for addiction treatment, SBIRT, contingency management, and motivational interviewing). Dr. Freese has also led several large training and technical assistance projects that assist providers in implementing integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. He has been a featured presenter at conferences and meetings nationally and internationally on the impact and treatment of methamphetamine and opioid dependence. In addition, Dr. Freese has served as the Project Director on a number of studies including research on methamphetamine use. He has worked in the addiction field since 1983, and has developed and conducted trainings in 45 states and internationally, providing training and workshops for clinicians-in-training at the all levels.
1:04:28•8 Jul 2024
Methamphetamine Use Disorder: Challenges and Hope with Dr. Thomas Freese
Episode Overview
- Methamphetamine use disorder lacks the resources available for opioid use disorder.
- Contingency management shows promise as a treatment strategy.
- Methamphetamine causes severe long-term damage to the brain and body.
- Emergency departments face significant challenges dealing with violent reactions from meth users.
- Reward-based treatments can motivate positive behavioural changes.
“The single best thing we can do for someone using methamphetamine is use contingency management in their treatment”
In this episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev dives into the challenging topic of methamphetamine use disorder with expert guest Dr. Thomas Freese. Dr. Freese, a seasoned clinical psychologist and co-director at UCLA's Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, shares his extensive knowledge and experience in treating substance use disorders. The conversation uncovers the stark reality of methamphetamine's impact on individuals and society, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment strategies. Dr.
Lev opens up about her experiences in the emergency department, dealing with violent and combative patients under the influence of meth, and the dire medical complications they face. The episode delves into the lack of resources available for methamphetamine users compared to those with opioid use disorders, prompting a discussion on contingency management as a potential solution. Dr. Freese explains how this approach, which rewards patients for negative drug tests, has shown promising results in real-world settings.
They also touch on the broader implications of stimulant use, from 'meth mouth' to the long-term damage on the brain and body. The conversation is both eye-opening and hopeful, as it explores practical ways to bridge the gap in treatment for methamphetamine use disorder. If you're looking for an engaging and informative discussion on one of today's most pressing public health issues, this episode is a must-listen.
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