LGBT Drug Treatment Blog

Crystal Meth: The Drug Addiction That’s Killing Gays

When the AIDS crisis hit, the gay and lesbian community bonded together, valiantly helping those who were afflicted. They worked to educate those who were negative, while advocating for new drugs and treatments for people who tested positive. Today, a new plague is decimating the gay community: crystal meth. It’s gone from being a “party and play” drug to a ruthless killer. Those who are addicted need the rest of the gay and lesbian community to work together and help them heal. Crystal users are at much greater risk for contracting HIV through unprotected sex while in a meth-fueled trance. At Freedom Rings we have a special passion for working with crystal meth addicts, incorporating the latest and best tools and techniques for reaching recovery. We don’t feel the gay and lesbian community should settle for anything less. If crystal meth addiction is tearing you apart, let us help.

Crystal Meth: The Drug Addiction That’s Killing Gays

When the AIDS crisis hit, the gay and lesbian community bonded together, valiantly helping those who were afflicted. They worked to educate those who were negative, while advocating for new drugs and treatments for people who tested positive. Today, a new plague is decimating the gay community: crystal meth. It’s gone from being a “party and play” drug to a ruthless killer. Those who are addicted need the rest of the gay and lesbian community to work together and help them heal. Crystal users are at much greater risk for contracting HIV through unprotected sex while in a meth-fueled trance. At Freedom Rings we have a special passion for working with crystal meth addicts, incorporating the latest and best tools and techniques for reaching recovery. We don’t feel the gay and lesbian community should settle for anything less. If crystal meth addiction is tearing you apart, let us help.

Methamphetamine is commonly known as “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” In its smoked form, it is often referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” “crank,” and “glass.” It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug was developed early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine’s chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial “rush,” there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. There are a few accepted medical reasons for its use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and - for short-term use - obesity; but these medical uses are limited.

Are methamphetamine abusers at risk
for contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C 

Increased HIV and hepatitis B and C transmission are likely consequences of increased methamphetamine abuse, particularly in individuals who inject the drug and share injection equipment. Infection with HIV and other infectious diseases is spread among injection drug users primarily through the re-use of contaminated syringes, needles, or other paraphernalia by more than one person. In nearly one-third of Americans infected with HIV, injection drug use is a risk factor, making drug abuse the fastest growing vector for the spread of HIV in the nation. 

Research also indicates that methamphetamine and related psychomotor stimulants can increase the libido in users, in contrast to opiates which actually decrease the libido. However, long-term methamphetamine use may be associated with decreased sexual functioning, at least in men. Additionally, methamphetamine seems to be associated with rougher sex, which may lead to bleeding and abrasions. The combination of injection and sexual risks may result in HIV becoming a greater problem among methamphetamine abusers than among opiate and other drug abusers, something that already seems to be occurring in California. 

NIDA-funded research has found that, through drug abuse treatment, prevention, and community-based outreach programs, drug abusers can change their HIV risk behaviors. Drug use can be eliminated and drug-related risk behaviors, such as needle-sharing and unsafe sexual practices, can be reduced significantly thus decreasing the risk of exposure. Therefore, drug abuse treatment is also highly effective in preventing the spread of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. 

Growing up in a heterosexual world, it was in my teens when I began to acknowledge that I was gay. It was also in my teens that I got addicted to drugs. It all began with cocaine and alcohol and progressed to prescription medicaiton. It just seemed life was a little easier on drugs and I seemed to fit in better. Or at least not care whether I did or not.

 It was not long before I had a nice cocaine addiction habit and was drinking alcohol each and every day. After my second DUI, I knew I had to get help. With the hlp of my parents I began researching drug rehab programs and couldn’t believe how many there were. While I was scared to go to any drug treatment program, I knew I would feel most comfortable in a drug rehab program that at least understood gay people. Not that I was any different, but I thought I was and needed some level of comfort to get through this thing. The thing was, I didn’t want an entirely gay drug rehab program.

Thank god I found Freedom Rings because it was the best of both worlds. A gay drug rehab that was really gay friendly because while there were groups centered around GLBT issues, I participated in treatment along with everyone else.

I would strongly reccomend a gay drug rehab or gay friendly rehab for anyone with a drug addiction and GLBT. It made all the difference for me.

Thomas T.

What is a Dual Disorder? 

A dual disorder occurs when an individual is affected by both an emotional or psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. Psychiatric illness and chemical dependency both effect an individual physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Although the two illnesses are separate and independent, they do interact in ways that make diagnosis, treatment and recovery more complex. 

What Causes a Dual Disorder? 

The specific causes of psychiatric illness and chemical dependency are not fully understood at this time. Family history, genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors all appear to play important roles in the development of both psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. 

What Problems are Associated with Dual Disorders? 

• family problems 

• employment or school problems 

• high risk behavior on the highways (DUI) 

• multiple admissions for chemical dependency due to relapse 

• multiple admissions for psychiatric care due to reoccurrence of psychiatric symptoms 

• increased emergency room admissions 

• increased need for acute health care services 

• legal problems and incarceration 

Are Dual Disorders Common? 

During the past ten years, researchers and mental health and chemical dependency treatment providers have found that dual disorders do occur with regular frequency. The National Institute of Mental Health sponsored two large-scale research studies. The studies provided significant information about dual disorders. 

• 10 million Americans are affected by a dual disorder each year. 

• 56% of individuals with a bipolar disorder, (Manic depressive illness) abuse substances 

• 47% of individuals with a schizophrenic disorder, abuse substances 

• 32% of individuals with a mood disorder other than bipolar, abuse substances 

• 27% of individuals with an anxiety disorder, abuse substances 

Other researchers looked at individuals who were in treatment and experienced a severe mental illness. They found that 40-60% of the patients also had a co-existing substance abuse disorder. 

Investigators who looked at individuals in treatment for substance abuse found them to have co-existing mental disorders in rates of over 60%. 

Clearly, there are a substantial number of men and women who experience dual disorders each year. Research and clinical findings illustrate that it is not a rare occurrence, but rather a problem that occurs with consistent frequency. Therefore, it is important that specialized programs and ongoing community based support groups be available for men and women who experience dual disorders. 

Is There a Single Type of Dual Disorder? 

There is no single type of dual disorder. This is due to the fact that there are many forms of emotional or psychiatric illness. Some forms of psychiatric illness can severely impair an individual’s ability to function effectively and relate well to others. Creating a need for ongoing case management and a variety of other supportive services. Others may be impaired during ongoing periodic episodes or cycles. The degree of impairment due to psychiatric illness may vary greatly from mild or moderate to severe, or it may occur in mixed patterns. 

The nature of dual disorders becomes even more complex when alcohol and drug use is considered. For example, there are many types of intoxicating chemicals that people can choose from today. Some people may choose to use a single type of drug while another person may use many different types of drugs. Some people use large amounts for the effects while other people use smaller amounts. Some people use daily, while others use on periodic binges. It becomes evident that there are many different forms of dual diagnosis when the different types of psychiatric illnesses and different patterns of alcohol and drug use are all taken into account. However, in terms of dual recovery, they do share one thing in common: an individual will need to focus their recovery efforts on both their emotional or psychiatric illness and their chemical dependency within a comprehensive personal program of recovery. 

What are the Goals for Dual Recovery? 

There are three basic goals for dual recovery: 

• Develop a lifestyle that is free of alcohol and other intoxicating drugs and prevent relapse. 

• Learn ways to manage the symptoms of emotional or psychiatric illness in a healthy and constructive way. 

• Learn ways to improve the quality of life. 

Some people may require medical care to safely withdraw from alcohol or street drugs. They may also need medical care to stabilize their acute psychiatric symptoms. Many people may want to participate in self-help programs such as Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) where they can feel accepted when discussing recovering issues that are related to both their psychiatric illness and their chemical dependency

If you are looking for a gay friendly dual diagnosis treatment program go to www.gay-rehab.com. 

What is a Dual Disorder? 

A dual disorder occurs when an individual is affected by both an emotional or psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. Psychiatric illness and chemical dependency both effect an individual physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Although the two illnesses are separate and independent, they do interact in ways that make diagnosis, treatment and recovery more complex. 

What Causes a Dual Disorder? 

The specific causes of psychiatric illness and chemical dependency are not fully understood at this time. Family history, genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors all appear to play important roles in the development of both psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. 

What Problems are Associated with Dual Disorders? 

• family problems 

• employment or school problems 

• high risk behavior on the highways (DUI) 

• multiple admissions for chemical dependency due to relapse 

• multiple admissions for psychiatric care due to reoccurrence of psychiatric symptoms 

• increased emergency room admissions 

• increased need for acute health care services 

• legal problems and incarceration 

Are Dual Disorders Common? 

During the past ten years, researchers and mental health and chemical dependency treatment providers have found that dual disorders do occur with regular frequency. The National Institute of Mental Health sponsored two large-scale research studies. The studies provided significant information about dual disorders. 

• 10 million Americans are affected by a dual disorder each year. 

• 56% of individuals with a bipolar disorder, (Manic depressive illness) abuse substances 

• 47% of individuals with a schizophrenic disorder, abuse substances 

• 32% of individuals with a mood disorder other than bipolar, abuse substances 

• 27% of individuals with an anxiety disorder, abuse substances 

Other researchers looked at individuals who were in treatment and experienced a severe mental illness. They found that 40-60% of the patients also had a co-existing substance abuse disorder. 

Investigators who looked at individuals in treatment for substance abuse found them to have co-existing mental disorders in rates of over 60%. 

Clearly, there are a substantial number of men and women who experience dual disorders each year. Research and clinical findings illustrate that it is not a rare occurrence, but rather a problem that occurs with consistent frequency. Therefore, it is important that specialized programs and ongoing community based support groups be available for men and women who experience dual disorders. 

Is There a Single Type of Dual Disorder? 

There is no single type of dual disorder. This is due to the fact that there are many forms of emotional or psychiatric illness. Some forms of psychiatric illness can severely impair an individual’s ability to function effectively and relate well to others. Creating a need for ongoing case management and a variety of other supportive services. Others may be impaired during ongoing periodic episodes or cycles. The degree of impairment due to psychiatric illness may vary greatly from mild or moderate to severe, or it may occur in mixed patterns. 

The nature of dual disorders becomes even more complex when alcohol and drug use is considered. For example, there are many types of intoxicating chemicals that people can choose from today. Some people may choose to use a single type of drug while another person may use many different types of drugs. Some people use large amounts for the effects while other people use smaller amounts. Some people use daily, while others use on periodic binges. It becomes evident that there are many different forms of dual diagnosis when the different types of psychiatric illnesses and different patterns of alcohol and drug use are all taken into account. However, in terms of dual recovery, they do share one thing in common: an individual will need to focus their recovery efforts on both their emotional or psychiatric illness and their chemical dependency within a comprehensive personal program of recovery. 

What are the Goals for Dual Recovery? 

There are three basic goals for dual recovery: 

• Develop a lifestyle that is free of alcohol and other intoxicating drugs and prevent relapse. 

• Learn ways to manage the symptoms of emotional or psychiatric illness in a healthy and constructive way. 

• Learn ways to improve the quality of life. 

Some people may require medical care to safely withdraw from alcohol or street drugs. They may also need medical care to stabilize their acute psychiatric symptoms. Many people may want to participate in self-help programs such as Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) where they can feel accepted when discussing recovering issues that are related to both their psychiatric illness and their chemical dependency

If you are looking for a gay friendly dual diagnosis treatment program go to www.gay-rehab.com. 

What is a Dual Disorder? 

A dual disorder occurs when an individual is affected by both an emotional or psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. Psychiatric illness and chemical dependency both effect an individual physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Although the two illnesses are separate and independent, they do interact in ways that make diagnosis, treatment and recovery more complex. 

What Causes a Dual Disorder? 

The specific causes of psychiatric illness and chemical dependency are not fully understood at this time. Family history, genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors all appear to play important roles in the development of both psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. 

What Problems are Associated with Dual Disorders? 

• family problems 

• employment or school problems 

• high risk behavior on the highways (DUI) 

• multiple admissions for chemical dependency due to relapse 

• multiple admissions for psychiatric care due to reoccurrence of psychiatric symptoms 

• increased emergency room admissions 

• increased need for acute health care services 

• legal problems and incarceration 

Are Dual Disorders Common? 

During the past ten years, researchers and mental health and chemical dependency treatment providers have found that dual disorders do occur with regular frequency. The National Institute of Mental Health sponsored two large-scale research studies. The studies provided significant information about dual disorders. 

• 10 million Americans are affected by a dual disorder each year. 

• 56% of individuals with a bipolar disorder, (Manic depressive illness) abuse substances 

• 47% of individuals with a schizophrenic disorder, abuse substances 

• 32% of individuals with a mood disorder other than bipolar, abuse substances 

• 27% of individuals with an anxiety disorder, abuse substances 

Other researchers looked at individuals who were in treatment and experienced a severe mental illness. They found that 40-60% of the patients also had a co-existing substance abuse disorder. 

Investigators who looked at individuals in treatment for substance abuse found them to have co-existing mental disorders in rates of over 60%. 

Clearly, there are a substantial number of men and women who experience dual disorders each year. Research and clinical findings illustrate that it is not a rare occurrence, but rather a problem that occurs with consistent frequency. Therefore, it is important that specialized programs and ongoing community based support groups be available for men and women who experience dual disorders. 

Is There a Single Type of Dual Disorder? 

There is no single type of dual disorder. This is due to the fact that there are many forms of emotional or psychiatric illness. Some forms of psychiatric illness can severely impair an individual’s ability to function effectively and relate well to others. Creating a need for ongoing case management and a variety of other supportive services. Others may be impaired during ongoing periodic episodes or cycles. The degree of impairment due to psychiatric illness may vary greatly from mild or moderate to severe, or it may occur in mixed patterns. 

The nature of dual disorders becomes even more complex when alcohol and drug use is considered. For example, there are many types of intoxicating chemicals that people can choose from today. Some people may choose to use a single type of drug while another person may use many different types of drugs. Some people use large amounts for the effects while other people use smaller amounts. Some people use daily, while others use on periodic binges. It becomes evident that there are many different forms of dual diagnosis when the different types of psychiatric illnesses and different patterns of alcohol and drug use are all taken into account. However, in terms of dual recovery, they do share one thing in common: an individual will need to focus their recovery efforts on both their emotional or psychiatric illness and their chemical dependency within a comprehensive personal program of recovery. 

What are the Goals for Dual Recovery? 

There are three basic goals for dual recovery: 

• Develop a lifestyle that is free of alcohol and other intoxicating drugs and prevent relapse. 

• Learn ways to manage the symptoms of emotional or psychiatric illness in a healthy and constructive way. 

• Learn ways to improve the quality of life. 

Some people may require medical care to safely withdraw from alcohol or street drugs. They may also need medical care to stabilize their acute psychiatric symptoms. Many people may want to participate in self-help programs such as Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) where they can feel accepted when discussing recovering issues that are related to both their psychiatric illness and their chemical dependency

If you are looking for a gay friendly dual diagnosis treatment program go to www.gay-rehab.com.