Crystal Meth Addiction - Men Who Have Sex With Men
Crystal Meth Addiction
In the United States, crystal methamphetamine use is endemic to urban men who have sex with men (MSM). Among them, methamphetamine use is significantly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors, which has resulted in high rates of HIV prevalence within many Gay populations. Crystal methamphetamine-using MSM consistently report using methamphetamine to enhance their sexual encounters, often describing sex while on methamphetamine as more “intense,” “heightened,” “prolonged,” and “uninhibited.” The affect of crystal meth use on the sexual health of gay men has become a public health concern. Data on methamphetamine-using MSM populations in Los Angeles point to a “time-to-event” association between the level of methamphetamine use and the likelihood of reporting HIV infection (Shoptaw & Reback, 2006). Findings demonstrate that the more involved gay men are in their use of crystal meth (as measured by their history of use and their frequency of use), the higher the prevalence of HIV infection. As methamphetamine use is associated with high-risk sexual behaviors among gay, users also report an increased number of sexual partners, decreased use of condoms, multiple-partner sexual activities, engaging in sex with casual and anonymous partners, engaging in unprotected receptive and insertive anal sex with casual partners, an increased likelihood of being HIV-infected or having a sexually transmitted infection, and an increased likelihood of have hepatitis A, B or C infection.
Crystal methamphetamine is frequently used in gay-owned and gay-operated venues such as bars, bathhouses, sex clubs and circuit parties, i.e., weekend long events that celebrate gay sexuality and sensibility. Consequently, among MSM, the experience of using methamphetamine has become institutionalized within certain sectors of gay culture through gay-identified businesses. Many gay crystal meth users report that the drug enables them to meet other men more easily, connect socially and sexually with other men, and alter more rigid attitudes toward sex. Research studies have found that MSM methamphetamine users report engaging in higher-risk sexual activities not typically practiced when not using the drug.
Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment
Crystal meth treatment usually takes place within the confines of a drug rehab. Crystal meth addiction treatment usually requires structure, time and medical care. Crystal meth treatment has to focus on detox and the medical consequences of the drug addiction. Crystal meth addiction has devastating effects on a person’s overall well being and brain function. Treatment for crystal meth addiction is successful. If you are gay, then it is recommended you locate a gay friendly drug rehab in which to receive rehab. One such place is Freedom Rings at Lakeview Health, www.gay-rehab.com.
