Women use methamphetamine at rates equal to men. Use of other
major illicit drugs is characterized by ratios of 3:1 for men to women
(heroin) or 2:1 (cocaine). In contrast, in many large data sets,
the ratio for methamphetamine users approaches 1:1. Surveys among
women suggest that they are more likely than men to be attracted to methamphetamine
for weight loss and to control symptoms of depression. Among women,
methamphetamine-related drug disorders may present different challenges
to their health, may progress differently, and may require different
treatment approaches. Over 70% of methamphetamine-dependent women
report histories of physical and sexual abuse, and are more likely than
men to present for treatment with greater psychological distress. Many
women with young children do not seek treatment or drop out early due
to the pervasive fear of not being able to take care of or keep their
children, as well as fear of punishment from authorities in the larger
community. Consequently, women may require treatment that both
identifies her specific needs and responds to them.
Pregnant women and women with small children frequently require increased
levels of care. While it may be possible to treat pregnant women
in intensive outpatient treatment, attention must be given to monitoring
and promoting proper prenatal care with these women while in treatment. In
addition, it is important that clinical staff be capable of working with
pregnant women who relapse in treatment. Frequently there is an
extreme lack of empathy exhibited by staff and other patients toward
women who relapse during their pregnancy. Clinical staff who can properly
address these treatment situations and effectively move these patients
to more intensive levels of care when necessary is essential. Women
with small children frequently require an increased level of support,
either via a women’s and children’s residential setting or an intensive
day treatment setting with sober housing for women and children. The
combined burdens of work, home care, childcare, and other family responsibilities,
plus attending treatment frequently can induce such a level of exhaustion
and fatigue that methamphetamine use may appear to be the only way to
acquire sufficient energy to accomplish all of the responsibilities. Clearly
under these circumstances, special treatment considerations are needed.
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