NCJ Number
190456
Journal
Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: 2001 Pages: 77-97
Date Published
2001
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the patterns of methamphetamine use among a group of female offenders, as well as their involvement in manufacturing and distributing the drug.
Abstract
Data were collected as part of a large-scale evaluation project of drug treatment programs for women who entered drug treatment through the criminal justice system in Portland, Oregon. Currently in its fifth year, Project WORTH (Women's Options for Recovery, Treatment, and Health) is examining the client characteristics and effectiveness of prison-based, jail-based, and community-based drug treatment programs for women offenders. In addition to responding to the baseline questionnaire, 85 women who used methamphetamine regularly during their lifetimes completed the supplemental methamphetamine module during 1998. When they entered drug treatment, most of the women in the study were found to be heavily involved in methamphetamine use and dealing. Although all of the women had used methamphetamine regularly during some period in their lives, not all of them used methamphetamine regularly during the year before they entered drug treatment. The majority, however, used some drugs regularly at least half the months they were at risk during this time. The study data suggest that many of the women will have difficulty terminating their involvement in the manufacture or distribution of methamphetamine when they leave the drug treatment programs, even if they substantially reduce their methamphetamine use. Optimally, treatment professionals may be able to help the women to find an alternate means of generating income that provides a lifestyle free of both methamphetamine use as well as involvement in its manufacture and distribution. 5 tables and 40 references