RESUMO
The epidemic of methamphetamine dependence is spreading eastward across the United States. Unlike the gender ratio associated with most other drugs of abuse, the proportion of woman methamphetamine users is nearly equal to men. This review will describe reasons why women begin use of methamphetamine, especially those that differ from the usual reasons for initiating drug use. The characteristics of women users at entry into treatment also differ from those of men, especially in regard to employment, psychological symptoms, and history of abuse and violence in their lives. Finally, the review will address treatment issues and options that can be responsive to the distinctive needs of women dependent on methamphetamine.
Assuntos
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Anfetaminas/etiologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Anfetaminas/reabilitação , Estimulantes do Sistema Nervoso Central , Metanfetamina , Mulheres , Adulto , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Anfetaminas/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Caracteres Sexuais , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The Methamphetamine Treatment Project (MTP) offers the opportunity to examine co-occurring psychiatric conditions in a sample of 1016 methamphetamine users participating in a multisite outpatient treatment study between 1999-2001. Participants reported high levels of psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression and attempted suicide, but also anxiety and psychotic symptoms. They also reported high levels of problems controlling anger and violent behavior, with a correspondingly high frequency of assault and weapons charges. Findings continue to support the value of integrated treatment for co-occurring conditions, especially the importance of training counseling staff to handle psychotic symptoms when needed.
Assuntos
Transtornos Mentais/epidemiologia , Metanfetamina , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Tentativa de Suicídio/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Estudos de Coortes , Crime/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos Mentais/classificação , Transtornos Mentais/diagnóstico , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/diagnósticoRESUMO
The Methamphetamine Treatment Project offers the opportunity to examine the history of abuse and violence in a sample of 1016 methamphetamine users participating in a multisite study between 1999-2001. Reporting of abuse and violence was extensive, with 80% of women reporting abuse or violence from a partner. Men were more likely to report experiencing violence from friends and others. A high percentage of study participants reported a variety of threatening or coercive experiences with their partners. Past and current interpersonal violence is a characteristic of the lifestyles of the majority entering treatment for methamphetamine dependence.
