Women with methamphetamine dependence: research on etiology and treatment.

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.