Historically, female meth users were white and in their thirties. Recently, there have been major shifts such that more and other groups of women are vulnerable to meth addiction. Young Latina and Asian women are among the groups where meth addiction has been increasing the most. Also, evidence suggests that meth addiction is increasing among young Native American and African American women.
Meth addiction takes a toll on the health of women, including:
- Dramatic weight loss to the point of emaciation
- Severe damage to the teeth
- Badly scarred skin from compulsive scratching and trauma
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbance
Long-term meth addiction causes psychosis and almost universal feelings of anxiety, paranoia, depression, and hopelessness. The high rate of sexual behavior associated with meth results in an increased rate of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and risk of HIV infection. In California, meth is the most commonly used drug among pregnant women. There is particular concern regarding meth addiction among these women because prenatal meth consumption may cause premature birth, growth problems in newborns, and developmental disorders among children born to meth addicted mothers. Methamphetamine addiction rapidly shatters and degrades every aspect of the family.
Relationships
Relationships are characterized by physical violence and emotional abuse, usually caused by a male partner. In many cases, meth addicted males may demand riskier sexual acts of their female partners. Non-compliant women may experience physical violence and bodily trauma. Women’s sex drives are increased by meth intoxication, and this can promote sexual experimentation and acting out that can lead to physical trauma and sexual transmission of diseases. The paranoia created by long-lasting addiction creates suspicion and accusation, increasing the likelihood of domestic abuse.
Parents and friends are ignored and victimized. As meth addiction continues, all nonusing family and friends are alienated, and women become mired in an entire world of meth seeking and use.
It is impossible to function adequately as a parent when addicted to meth. The paranoia, anxiety and irritability created by meth addiction seriously impair good parenting skills, that little attention is given to food, sleep or hygiene, all detrimentally affect the health, safety and well-being of the children involved.
Frequently, the harmful impact of a mother's meth addiction on children brings children’s protective services into the situation, a common consequence for the woman is loss of custody over the children. All of these factors can produce tremendous guilt and shame for women and profoundly damage their self-esteem. The conflicts and guilt related to parenting issues for women addicted to meth must be addressed in the treatment and recovery program.
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