Methamphetamine – more commonly known as meth, crystal or ice – is a highly addictive, stimulant drug.

An estimated 7.4 million people in the world are dependent on it or “addicted” to it. They face multiple health risks including paranoia, feeling suicidal, heart problems, strokes, injuries from accidents, and a higher risk of early death.

But there are no medications approved anywhere in the world to treat meth dependence.

Now, a cheap, safe and readily available medicine that has been used to treat depression for years is showing promise. Our trial of mirtazapine, just published in JAMA Psychiatry, shows people who take it cut back their meth use.

Australia has one of the highest number of people dependent on meth per capita worldwide.

As there are no medications approved for meth dependence anywhere in the world, we have few treatment options.

Currently available treatment options include counselling, detox or withdrawal and long-stay residential rehabilitation. However, access can be difficult and treatment dropout rates are high. Most people who go to rehab relapse.

More sophisticated treatments offered within the community such as contingency management, which involves setting targets and rewards for meeting them, are more effective but aren’t widely........

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