NCJ Number
224112
Journal
Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 343-366
Date Published
2008
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Using data from ethnographic interviews, this study describes the development of methamphetamine abuse (MA) across users’ lives.
Abstract
Respondents’ experienced early emotional distress caused by child abuse and parental substance use that predisposed them to drug use directly as an escape, and indirectly through the development of cognitive patterns, such as self-reliance and toughness, and entrance into dangerous peer groups. Participation in drug-using peer groups exacerbated vulnerability to drug use through exposure to peer violence, emotional suffering and abandonment, theft, and deceit. As drug use increased, respondents experienced overwhelming economic problems. They dealt with their suffering by focusing on acquiring and using methamphetamine abuse (MA). However, understandings of problematic drug use emerge as respondents stigmatize users who lack basic resources and hurt others for the sake of money or drugs, and parents whose use interferes with parenting. Some respondents found religion and leaving destructive peer relationships useful in curbing their MA use. MA has been labeled a principal drug threat because of its increases in use and production throughout the United States. This study expands on previous research by examining a sample of MA users, the development of MA use across users’ lives, and its impact on their emotional, social, and psychological experiences. It discusses the meanings of MA abuse from the users’ perspectives and assumes that biological, mental, and cultural experiences of MA abuse are ascribed emotionally charged meanings that then become imprinted on the individual’s mind and impact the way a person internalizes future experiences. These narratives can be used as discussion topics in treatment groups. References