The aim of the project is to develop an online tool ('Breaking the Ice') that will deliver a structured web-based intervention for crystal methamphetamine use for young people aged 16-25 years.
The research team will work with people using crystal methamphetamine to develop an online tool that is appealing and engaging to the target population.
The purpose of this project is to implement an effective online tool that can engage with young people aged 16-25 years who are using methamphetamine, not currently in treatment, and increase their access to treatment services. We will re-develop our existing online tool, Breaking the Ice, based on the feedback already received to date on the program, and add to this specific, structured feedback from young people (aged 16-25 years) currently using methamphetamine. The resulting Breaking the Ice online tool will thus be better matched to the needs of young people using methamphetamine. These activities will be undertaken with a view to implementing Breaking the Ice within NSW Health services to improve engagement with existing services.
The aim of the re-developed Breaking the Ice intervention is to:
- engage with young people (aged 16-25 years) who are using methamphetamine but who are not currently engaged with drug treatment services, particularly those at high risk of progressing to dependent or problematic use, or already experiencing problems from their use but not seeking help;
- provide these individuals with education/information and early intervention (via Breaking the Ice) to reduce harms from their use, as part of a broader packaged aimed to improve pathways into existing drug treatment and health services; and
- increase their intention to seek help and their actual help-seeking for methamphetamine use (and hence engage them with existing treatment and health services related to stimulant use).