The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study

Crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice" or "crystal meth," is a potent psychostimulant drug that can cause irreversible physical and psychological damage to users (Halkitis, 2009). This qualitative research investigated the lived experiences of users, the background of their...

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Main Authors: Girija Dadhe, Cathy Bettman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia 2019-09-01
Series:Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.59158/001c.71114
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author Girija Dadhe
Cathy Bettman
author_facet Girija Dadhe
Cathy Bettman
author_sort Girija Dadhe
collection DOAJ
description Crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice" or "crystal meth," is a potent psychostimulant drug that can cause irreversible physical and psychological damage to users (Halkitis, 2009). This qualitative research investigated the lived experiences of users, the background of their addiction, and the effects of using this drug. Six men between 31 and 39 years of age participated in the research. Three main themes emerged from the data: context, aftermath, and recovery. Respondents identified an inability to cope with dysfunctional family environments and negative social influences as the main causes of their crystal methamphetamine addiction, which resulted in significant adverse effects on their physical and mental health, relationships, occupation, and behaviour. They expressed a need for integrated and family focussed services, as well as a decriminalised approach towards crystal methamphetamine usage to help individuals and their families in the recovery journey.
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spelling doaj-art-8383950852344a5cbb69d4c2ea63e7102025-08-20T03:22:21ZengPsychotherapy and Counselling Federation of AustraliaPsychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia2201-70892019-09-017110.59158/001c.71114The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative StudyGirija DadheCathy BettmanCrystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice" or "crystal meth," is a potent psychostimulant drug that can cause irreversible physical and psychological damage to users (Halkitis, 2009). This qualitative research investigated the lived experiences of users, the background of their addiction, and the effects of using this drug. Six men between 31 and 39 years of age participated in the research. Three main themes emerged from the data: context, aftermath, and recovery. Respondents identified an inability to cope with dysfunctional family environments and negative social influences as the main causes of their crystal methamphetamine addiction, which resulted in significant adverse effects on their physical and mental health, relationships, occupation, and behaviour. They expressed a need for integrated and family focussed services, as well as a decriminalised approach towards crystal methamphetamine usage to help individuals and their families in the recovery journey.https://doi.org/10.59158/001c.71114
spellingShingle Girija Dadhe
Cathy Bettman
The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study
Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia
title The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study
title_full The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study
title_fullStr The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study
title_full_unstemmed The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study
title_short The Lived Experiences of Adult Crystal Methamphetamine Users: A Qualitative Study
title_sort lived experiences of adult crystal methamphetamine users a qualitative study
url https://doi.org/10.59158/001c.71114
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