The Rise, Risks, and Realities of Methamphetamine use among Women: Implications for Research, Prevention and Treatment

Abstract

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive psychostimulant which activates the brain's reward pathway like no other substance. It is associated with risky sexual practices, HIV/AIDS, antisocial behavior, and violence. For the first time, women are presenting for treatment with a primary methamphetamine use disorder at higher rates than men. Yet, current treatment and prevention initiatives may not be sufficiently sensitive to the unique risks associated with women's use of meth. This article describes the history and rise of methamphetamine and outlines the qualities of meth that contribute to its unique social and environmental impact. Specific attention is devoted to women's experiences with meth focusing on sexual practices, HIV/AIDS, antisocial and violent behavior. Implications for treatment, prevention and research are discussed.

Keywords :

• Methamphetamine
• Sexual Risks
• Violence
• HIV/AIDS
• Women

Registration Form for Continuing Education Credit

JOURNAL OF ADDICTIONS 21(1) NURSING CE CREDIT

Article: The Rise, Risks and Realities of Methamphetamine Use Among Women: Implications for Research, Prevention and Treatment

CE Instructions

1. Read the article.

2. Locate the answer sheet and posttest questions following the article.

3. Complete the posttest questions and program evaluation by circling the selected responses on the answer sheet.

4. Fill out the registration form.

5. Send registration form, answer sheet, and a check for $10.00 to:y

   Continuing Nursing Education

   IntNSA

   PO Box 163635

   Columbus, OH 43216

6. Send before March 31, 2012

Within three weeks after receipt of your posttest and registration, you will be notified of your results. A passing score is 70%. If you pass, your CE certificate will be forwarded to you. If you do not pass, you will be notified and may repeat the test once at no cost.

Note: Approved status refers only to CE activities and does not imply ANCC COA and PA Nurses endorsement of any commercial product.

Registration Information:

Name:____________________

Address: ____________________

City/State/Zip: ____________________

Social Security Number: ____________________

State(s) of Licensure: ____________________

Telephone Number:_____________________

Article: The Rise, Risks and Realities of Methamphetamine Use Among Women: Implications for research, Prevention and Treatment

Journal of Addictions Nursing (21:1)

Posttest for Continuing Education Credit

1. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive

   1. Depressant

   2. Stimulant

   3. Hallucinogen

   4. Opioid

2. Compared to men, women have been found to transition from initiation of methamphetamine to regular use

   1. In a shorter duration of time

   2. In a longer duration of time

   3. In the same duration of time

   4. In variable durations of time

3. Methamphetamine is particularly alluring to women because of its

   1. Positive effects on weight loss

   2. Ability to increase energy

   3. Mood enhancing properties

   4. All of the above

4. According to the author, often, the first setting where women receive treatment for methamphetamine misuse or dependence is

   1. In the community

   2. At one's church or synagogue

   3. In a rehab treatment center

   4. In prison

5. Women who misuse methamphetamine

   1. Are often in loving relationships

   2. Rarely are involved in violent situations

   3. Engage in drug trafficking

   4. None of the above

6. Methamphetamine is a synthetically produced derivative of

   1. Amphotericin

   2. Amphetamine

   3. Antabuse

   4. Aripiprazole

7. In 2005, the vast majority of treatment admissions for a primary methamphetamine use disorder were in the

   1. South

   2. West

   3. Northeast

   4. Midwest

8. Long term consequences of methamphetamine misuse include all of the following EXCEPT

   1. Psychosis

   2. Memory loss

   3. Severe dental problems

   4. All of the above are long term consequences

9. Regarding methamphetamine misuse, women were found more than men to

   1. Initiate methamphetamine use later

   2. Be more susceptible to dependency

   3. Be more resistant to treatment

   4. All of the above

10. It was reported that the most common co-morbid psychiatric diagnosis found in women who also misuse methamphetamine was

    1. Panic Disorder

    2. PTSD

    3. Depressive Disorder

    4. Psychotic Disorder

Answer Sheet for Continuing Education Credit

Continuing Education Credit: 1.0_contact hours

Purpose: To describe the history and rise of methamphetamine and outline the qualities of methamphetamine that contribute to its unique social and environmental impact for women.

At the completion of the article and the posttest, the reader should be able to;

1. Describe the rise of methamphetamine misuse and the prevalence of use among women.

2. State methamphetamine's unique mechanisms of action and list at least two effects compared to other psychostimulants.

3. Identify three antisocial behaviors associated with female methamphetamine use.

Posttest Answer sheet: (Please circle selected response.)

Select a for true and b for false in true-false questions.

Table

Table

What other journal CE opportunities would you like to see?______________

How long did this program and posttest take to complete? _______hours.