Breaking The Ice

Description:

Breaking the Ice is a program based on CBT and motivational interviewing techniques. The course aims to help amphetamine users to set and work towards their goals, whether that means quitting completely, reducing their drug use or simply reducing risks associated with their using.

Module one explores typical problems associated with amphetamine use, including relationships with family and friends, physical and mental health, financial issues, work or study and legal issues. The second module looks at the pros and cons of stimulant use, and the likely good and bad outcomes related to changing this behaviour. The third module focusses on behavioural change, introducing techniques such as setting specific and timely goals, strategies to help deal with cravings and how to deal with high risk situations.

Service URL:

https://breakingtheice.org.au/

Agency Responsible:

Australian National University.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Psychological – CBT. and motivation enhancement

Course Length:

Moderate (2-5 modules). 3 modules

Support Option:

Automated only.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Substance abuse. methamphetamine type stimulants

Target Audience:

Adult.

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Free.

Access:

Open: With registration.

Contact Details:

through the website: https://breakingtheice.org.au/contact

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

1

Outcome Summary:

An RCT was carried out on n=160 adults with a reported history of using amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) in the past 3 months. The intervention group was given access to the first module of breaking the ice and it was suggested that they complete 1 module per week. Assessments were carried out at 3 and 6 months. The control group was only given access to the intervention after 6 months.

The RCT did not find significant differences between the intervention and control groups on ATS use at 3 or 6 months post intervention, with both groups reporting significantly reduced ATS scores. The intervention group reported significantly higher actual and intended help-seeking than controls. Completion rates were low, with only around half of participants completing follow up surveys, and within the intervention group only around half completed all three modules of the program. 

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

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Research paper citations

RCTS:

Tait, R. J., McKetin, R., Kay-Lambkin, F., Carron-Arthur, B., Bennett, A., Bennett, K., ... & Griffiths, K. M. (2015). Six-month outcomes of a web-based intervention for users of amphetamine-type stimulants: randomized controlled trial. Journal of medical Internet research, 17(4).

Other evidence:

Tait, R. J., McKetin, R., Kay-Lambkin, F., Carron-Arthur, B., Bennett, A., Bennett, K., ... & Griffiths, K. M. (2014). A web-based intervention for users of amphetamine-type stimulants: 3-month outcomes of a randomized controlled trial. JMIR mental health, 1(1).

Tait, R. J., McKetin, R., Kay-Lambkin, F., Bennett, K., Tam, A., Bennett, A., ... & Griffiths, K. M. (2012). Breakingtheice: A protocol for a randomised controlled trial of an internet-based intervention addressing amphetamine-type stimulant use. BMC psychiatry, 12(1), 67.