Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is calling for a complete rethink of how we approach methamphetamine use - not only decriminalisation of the drug but also exploring substitution treatment programmes.

And where a meth substitute doesn’t work, prescribed methamphetamine should be trialled.

The goal is to reduce harm, not expect perfect abstinence from all meth addicts.

Lead author of the joint report between the Helen Clark Foundation and the Drug Foundation Philippa Yasbek told Tova on Monday morning that the proposed trial is not just for methamphetamine.

"We're also proposing a trial of other stimulants, such as methylphenidate, which was Ritalin, amphetamines and possibly methamphetamine if those don't work," said Yasbek.

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