Methamphetamine use continues to present significant challenges for individuals, whānau and communities across Aotearoa. This session will explore current trends in methamphetamine use, including who is using it, why, and the barriers that can make disclosure difficult in healthcare settings.
We’ll examine the cardiovascular and mental health impacts of methamphetamine, alongside the latest evidence and treatment options for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).
With a practical focus on primary care, we’ll explore harm reduction approaches across the spectrum of use, including how to initiate open, non-judgemental conversations with patients. Real-world examples from drug checking services and peer-led support groups will highlight ways to support people to reflect on their use, reduce harm and make positive changes.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible.
Presenter
Sarah Helm
(Pākehā, Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha), Executive Director NZ Drug Foundation. Sarah has a extensive background in public health, health promotion, advocacy and social change.
Presenter
Ben Birks
Ben Birks Ang is the Deputy Executive Director, Programmes for Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri - the New Zealand Drug Foundation. Ben and his team lead projects that bring different sectors together to improve wellbeing and reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs. He has extensive experience establishing and managing school-based, community, peer-led, online, and residential drug and alcohol programmes.
Presenter
Vicki Macfarlane
Dr Vicki Macfarlane was born in Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand, graduated from the University of Auckland in 1989, and completed a Fellowship in General Practice, becoming a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners in 2004. In 2011, she commenced working with the Community Alcohol and Drug Services in Auckland and training in Addiction Medicine with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. She became a Fellow of the Chapter of Addiction Medicine in 2015.
From 2011 until 2022, she was the Lead Clinician of the Medical Detoxification Services, providing clinical leadership for both a community detoxification service and an 11-bed inpatient unit at Pitman House in Pt Chevalier; she later moved to Auckland City Mission Home Ground, where Dr Macfarlane continues to provide leadership to the unit, working closely with ACM social detox.
Vicki is the NZ representative on the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) Committee and the AChAM training committee. She is on the Roopu Whakahaere for Whare Tukutuku, the National Māori Addiction Centre.
