A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral lisdexamfetamine for methamphetamine withdrawal

Australia has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine dependence in the world. Methamphetamine dependence is associated with a substantial health burden and demand for treatment options has increased substantially in recent years. A significant challenge in treating methamphetamine use is managing the methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome, for which there are currently no effective pharmacological treatment options.

This PhD project will involve contributing to the design and implementation of a multi-site randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral lisdexamfetamine for methamphetamine withdrawal, in inpatient settings. Potential activities/outputs could include:

• Reviewing existing evidence around methamphetamine withdrawal treatment options
• Engaging with clients in inpatient settings seeking treatment for methamphetamine withdrawal, through participating in recruitment and data collection processes
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis from both standardised measures and semi-structured interviews relating to treatment efficacy, acceptability, and barriers/enablers to treatment uptake

Scholarship

• $35,000 per annum (2023 rate), 3.5 years
• Tuition fees scholarship for International candidates

Eligibility

• Domestic candidates only
• PhD only

How to apply

Please contact Professor Nadine Ezard (n.ezard@unsw.edu.au) for more information.