AAFP: Methamphetamines: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals

4 Hours | 4 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Methamphetamines: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals is presented by Shawn Acheson, PhD in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

This program provides an in-depth overview of methamphetamine with implications in forensic psychology and mental health. This topic is of relative importance for those working in forensic and/or correctional settings where many residents have a history of abuse or misuse.

This program provides a history of psychostimulant use before taking a deep dive into the mechanism of action of these drugs. Particular attention is given to methamphetamine and newer-generation synthetic drugs with methamphetamine-like properties. Methamphetamine abuse and its subsequent effects are commonplace in forensic and correctional settings. The knowledge gained in this should provide a better understanding of those who misuse or abuse methamphetamines or related synthetics.

This program is devoted to understanding these drugs' short- and long-term effects on cognition and behavior and the risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. Research concerning the impact of pre-and peri-natal exposure is discussed.

This program is intended for mental health professionals at various stages of their careers who are seeking a better understanding of methamphetamines and related synthetic compounds. The presentation is provided from a forensic perspective, but an in-depth understanding of or experience in forensic mental health is not required. This program should be well suited for those working in forensic or correctional settings.