BUMP is a group of studies being conducted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health to test the effectiveness of providing medications and counseling to individuals who use methamphetamine.

We ultimately want to learn whether medications can help people to stop or reduce their meth use and associated high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex. The medications we have studied, or are currently studying, are bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and aripiprazole (Abilify).

Small scale human and animal studies suggest that the medications we are testing may help reduce meth use. The medications being tested work on the same receptors in the brain that meth does. All medications being tested are already approved by the FDA to treat different health problems. Specifics of the medications will be explained to you during the screening process. However, it is important to understand that we do not yet know if these medications will lead to a reduction in meth use. Because these studies are double-blind and randomized, you would receive either the medication or placebo; all participants will receive weekly harm-reduction counseling.

Call us at 415-554-9013 or send us your contact information using the contact form below to see if you might qualify. If you do, we will set up the first screening visit for you to come in to our office to see if you meet further study criteria. Determining study eligibility involves meeting with counselors and clinical staff, answering questions, having a physical exam, and giving a urine sample. The screening process can take 4 visits over 4 weeks. If you are eligible and choose to enroll in the study, you will be randomized to take either the study medication or the placebo daily for 12 weeks. During that time you would come in once a week for counseling, questionnaires, clinical exams, and urine samples which will be tested for presence of meth. You will be paid for every visit, WHETHER OR NOT YOUR URINE TESTS POSITIVE FOR METH.

As a study participant, you are free to end your participation at any time. Study staff will work with you to accommodate any difficulties you have in making study visits.

BUMP is open to individuals regardless of HIV status.

Neither you nor the study staff will know if you are receiving the medication or placebo (the pills and pill bottles look the same). You will be monitored for any reactions you may have to the study drug and the study clinician will be readily available to discuss any issues you may have. After the study has been fully enrolled and completed, we will contact each participant and inform you if you received the medication or the placebo.