A multisite study of the effectiveness of methamphetamine treatment: an initiative of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

In 1998, responding to national and regional epidemiological data indicating that methamphetamine (MA) abuse was a growing problem in the United States, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) initiated a multisite MA treatment study. Through a collaborative approach among CSAT, seven treatment sites, and a coordinating center, the study compares the clinical and cost effectiveness of a manualized, cognitive-behavioral outpatient treatment developed by the Matrix Center in Los Angeles to the treatment approaches currently employed by the treatment sites. The study also explores technology transfer issues associated with integrating the Matrix approach within existing treatment settings. CSAT's approach to the initiation and management of this type of study is discussed.