Meth Use and Abuse

Research Paper # 115954

Criminology > Drugs Enforcement
Gender and Sexuality > Homosexuality
Native-American Studies

Meth Use and Abuse

An exploration of methamphetamine use and abuse, specifically among women.

2,928 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 and looks at the Methamphetamine Treatment Project that studied the prevalence of abuse and violence in the community of crystal meth users. The paper examines heterosexual and homosexual meth users and meth abuse and explores the effects of abuse upon pregnant women, women with children and Native-American women. The paper also discusses how meth addiction increases theft and property damage to non-users, increases the likelihood of violence towards women, costs a great deal of money to its users and causes the destruction of families that in turn creates the social problem of foster care overloads and homelessness. The paper contends that, in light of the endless problems caused by the use of crystal methamphetamines, it is essential that both the enforcement and punitive ends of the law do all they can to both prevent and punish the use and manufacturing of crystal meth.

Outline:
Abuse and Violence with Methamphetamine Users
Heterosexual and Homosexual Meth Users and the Resultant Violence and Sexual Risk
The Crimes Meth Causes and the People it Hurts
Effects of Methamphetamine Use upon Pregnant Women & Women w/ Children
Methamphetamine and Its Resultant Abuse upon Native American Women
The Variation in Methamphetamine Use
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Crystal meth, methamphetamine, glass, or whatever the chosen moniker, the reality is, there is a problem. Meth has caused a rise in crime across the board wherever it is present, which extends beyond simple theft into violence, against both men, women, and the children involved in the situation. The US Government has recognized the problem, and passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, passed by the House of Representatives as part of Patriot Act. Abuse of meth outpaced cocaine in the nineties, particularly in California. By 1996 a survey estimated that 4.8 million individuals in the US had used meth at least once. A study of thirty seven female meth users found that friends, boyfriends, or relatives had introduced them to the drug, with many using it to suppress their appetite, or for the energy it provided, with many citing housework or childcare as the motivation behind this necessity of energy. (Hohman et. al. 374)"

Sample of Sources Used:

Dew, Brian J.; Elifson, Kirk W.; Sterk, Claire E. "Differences in HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors between Heterosexual and Non-heterosexual Male Users of Methamphetamine." Journal of Drug Issues. 37.2, pp. 281-298.
Derauf, Chris; LaGasse, Linda L.; Smith, Lynne M.; Grant, Penny; Shah, Rizwan; Arria, Amelia; Huestis, Marilyn; Haning, William; Strauss, Arthur; Della Grotta, Sheri; Jing Liu; Lester, Barry M. "Demographic and Psychosocial Characteristics of Mothers Using Methamphetamine During Pregnancy: Preliminary Results of the Lifestyle Study (IDEAL)." American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse. 33.2, pp. 281-289.
Cohen, Judith B.; Dickow, Alice; Homer, Kathryn; Zweben, Joan E.; Balabis, Joseph; Vanderstoot, Denna; Reiber, Chris. "Abuse and Violence History of Men and Women and Women in Treatment for Methamphetamine Dependence." American Journal on Addictions. 12.5, pp. 377-385.
"Maze of Injustice: The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA." Amnesty International USA. 2007. Retrieved on 20 February 2008, from:
"House Passes Meth Bill." NCADD Washington Report. 9.1, p. 1.