Episode #46 High Truths with Dr. Richard Rawson and Treatment for Methamphetamine Use DisorderEpisode #46 High Truths with Dr. Richard Rawson and Treatment for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Methamphetamine, a potent stimulant, is rampant on the West Coast of the United States and part of the trifecta of homelessness, mental health and methamphetamine use. Dr. Richard Rawson is one of the nation’s experts on research and treatment for stimulant use disorder. Richard A. Rawson, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and a Research Professor at the Vermont Center for Behavior and Health at the University of Vermont. He received a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from the University of Vermont in 1974. Dr. Rawson conducted numerous clinical trials on pharmacological and psychosocial/behavioral addiction treatments for the treatment of individuals with cocaine and methamphetamine disorders. He has conducted numerous treatment service evaluations including an evaluation of the Vermont Hub and Spoke treatment network. He was a member of the Federal Methamphetamine Advisory Group to Attorney General Janet Reno (1996-2000) and has represented the US at numerous international meetings on methamphetamine. He has led addiction research and training projects for the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the U.S. State Department, exporting science-based knowledge to many parts of the world. Dr. Rawson has published 3 books, 40 book chapters, and over 250 peer-reviewed articles and has conducted over 1,000 workshops, paper presentations, and training sessions. Contingency Management Mobile Applications DynamiCare reSET WEconnect Contingency Management Resources The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network online course Contingency Management for Healthcare Settings (https://attcnetwork.org/centers/northwest-attc/news/new-online-course-contingency-management-healthcare-settings). The Motivational Incentives Suite—a collection of tools and other resources to help organizations understand and implement CM (http://www.bettertxoutcomes.org/bettertxoutcomes/). The ATTC Network’s guidance on the founding principles of CM (https://attcnetwork.org/centers/network-coordinating-office/contingency-management-part-2-founding-principles).
1:09:45•8 Nov 2021
Dr. Richard Rawson: Unpacking Methamphetamine Treatment Strategies
“Data that we have from Years or so of research on treatment for people with stimulant use disorder has been very consistent and very singular, in that there's one method that produces great reduction in methamphetamine and cocaine use and helps people stop using and will sustain their abstinence, and that's a technique we call contingency management.”
Ever wondered what really works in treating methamphetamine addiction? In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Dr. Richard Rawson, a top authority on stimulant use disorder. Dr. Rawson, with his extensive background in addiction research and treatment, dives into the nuts and bolts of contingency management—a behavioral treatment that’s been making waves for its success in reducing meth and cocaine use.
Contingency management might sound like a fancy term, but it’s all about rewarding positive behavior to encourage change. Dr. Rawson shares compelling data from numerous studies, showcasing how this method outshines traditional medication-assisted treatments for stimulant addiction. He also discusses the hurdles of diagnosing ADHD in individuals with substance use disorders and explores the promising role of exercise as part of the recovery journey. Listeners will find Dr. Rawson's insights both enlightening and hopeful.
He doesn’t just talk about the science; he brings it to life with real-world applications and stories of success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about cutting-edge treatment methods. Tune in to learn why policy changes are crucial and how a structured, supportive approach can pave the way to lasting recovery.

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