title: Methamphetamine use behaviors and gender differences.
abstract: This analysis describes methamphetamine (MA) use behaviors in a broad cross-section of (N=350) former clients from a large publicly funded treatment system and examines differences between males and females in drug use history, MA initiation and motivators, MA-related problems, acquisition, distribution, manufacture, and treatment characteristics. Results show polydrug use, prolonged MA use before treatment, initiation primarily through friends, common sensation-seeking motivators (to have fun, get high, and experiment), numerous problems related to MA use (including paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, financial problems, and legal and work problems), and a majority who have sold MA. Gender differences appear in selected aspects of motivators and routes of initiation, access to MA, use patterns, and MA-related problems. Such description of behaviors and gender differences can provide a basis for development of treatment strategies and points of departure for future research.
authors.affiliation: Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, 1640 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.
authors.forename: Mary-Lynn
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Brecht
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: von Mayrhauser
authors.forename: M Douglas
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Anglin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors