METH AND WOMEN¹
Biologically, women's bodies handle crystal differently than men's. Women produce a form of the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase that is slower than the form produced by men. This enzymes breaks down dopamine in adrenaline, which increases energy, elevates mood, and can also cause anxiety. It is likely that this difference results in gender specific experiences of the drug. According to a UCLA study, the most common motivations to use crystal reported by women were to get high, to have fun and to increase energy, which were similar motivations for men. However, there were also some significant differences. While 14 percent of women reported using crystal to enhance sexual pleasure, 23 percent of men felt sex was an extremely important factor in their use. The most striking difference was that 36 percent of women identified weight loss as a reason they used meth, compared to only 7 percent of men. Clinically, we see the use of crystal for weight loss in drug rehabilitation programs and in hospital units treating women with severe anorexia and body-image disorders.

Because meth can cause such intense hypersexuality, it can also be used as a date-rape drug. Usually we think of date-rape drugs as sedatives that make the victim mentally clouded or unconscious. With crystal, however, the victim remains wide awake and vibrantly clear. Because it stimulates sexual appetite so powerfully, the victim may be willing to have sex with almost anyone, including many people who she would never even consider if she were sober. The drug changes her judgment so much that she is literally "not the same person," and she would pursue sex much more aggressively. It was likely she could also feel so compelled by sex that she might disregard her normal precautions and put herself at risk for STDs and pregnancy.

Meth and Pregnancies
Given the hypersexual effects of crystal, unintended pregnancies are a considerable concern. Unfortunately, there are few studies examining how often this occurs. One study in Hawaii found that out of 546 deliveries, 1.4 percent of the babies tested positive for methamphetamine, which is a surprising figure considering that the general prevalence of meth use in the United States is 4.0 percent., and Hawaii is considered to have a significantly higher percentage of active meth users.

According to University of Toronto researchers, a single prenatal dose of methamphetamine — commonly known as speed — may be enough to cause long-term neuro-developmental problems in infants.²

Children born to women who used crystal meth during pregnancy are at a high risk for several significant health problems including: low birth weight, premature birth, heart defects, cleft lip disorders, and other serious infant health concerns.

¹ Lee, Steven J, Overcoming crystal meth addiction: an essential guide to getting clean from crystal meth addiction, New York: Marlowe & Company, 2006; 23:25.

² University of Toronto (2005, July 27). One Hit Of Crystal Meth Causes Birth Defects, Affects Fetuses At All Stages Of Development. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 16, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2005/07/050727063759.htm