Addiction (2001) 96, 1279–1287 RESEARCH REPORT Randomized controlled trial of brief cognitive-behavioural interventions among regular users of amphetamine AMANDA BAKER, TRACY G. BOGGS & TERRY J. LEWIN Centre for Mental Health Studies, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia Abstract Aims. To identify whether brief cognitive-behavioural interventions are feasible among regular users of amphetamine, to assess the effectiveness of intervention overall and to pilot two- and four-session interven- tions. Design. Subjects were assigned randomly to individually receive a cognitive-behavioural intervention (n 5 32) of either two or four sessions’ duration or a self-help booklet (control condition; n 5 32). Setting. Subj ects were volunteers recruited from needle exchange schemes and treatment centres in Newcastle, Australia. Participants. Regular (at least monthly) users of amphetamine were recruited. Intervention. Either four sessions of cognitive-behaviour therapy, consisting of a motivational interview and skills training in avoidance of high-risk situations, coping with craving and relapse prevention, or two sessions consisting of a motivational interview and discussion of skills. Measurements . The Opiate Treatment Index was the main measure at pre-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Findings. There was a signicant reduction in amphetamine use among the sample as a whole, with inconclusive differences between intervention subgroups. There was a moderate overall intervention effect, with the intervention group reporting over twice the reduction in daily amphetamine use as the control group. Signicantly more people in the cognitive- behavioural intervention condition abstained from amphetamine at 6-month follow-up compared to the control condition. Conclusion. Brief cognitive-behavioural interventions appear feasible among regular users of amphetamine. A larger randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of such interventions appears warranted. Introduction Amphetamine is the second most commonly used illicit drug in Australia (Makkai & McAllis- ter, 1998) and the United Kingdom (Klee, Wright & Morris, 1999) and its use is increasing in the United States (Proudfoot & Teesson, 2000). The most recent Australian National Drug Strategy household survey indicated that amphetamine has been widely available during the last decade and signicant numbers of peo- ple have used the drug regularly (Makkai & McAllister, 1998). In 1999, amphetamine was the most commonly inj ected drug in the state of Queensland, Australia (Illicit Drug Reporting Correspondence to: Amanda Baker, Centre for Mental Health Studies, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia. Tel: 61 2 49246610; fax: 61 2 49246608; e-mail: amanda.baker@ newcastle.edu.au Submitted 27th September 2000; initial review completed 9th January 2001; nal version accepted 6th March 2001. ISSN 0965–2140 print/ISSN 1360–0443 online/01/091279–09 Ó Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs Carfax Publishing, Taylor & Francis Limited DOI: 10.1080/09652140120070337