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NATIONAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
Meth use and its risk factors for HIV
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methamphetamine use may:
n Impair the ability or desire to be safe both sexually and when injecting drugs, which can lead to riskier behaviors in general.
n Dry mucosa, which may lead to more chafing and abrasions, which in turn, can provide an entry for HIV during sexual activity.
n Increase the likelihood of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, due to long durations of sex which can lead to chafing or sores, multiple partners, low levels of condom use and a lack of inhibition of risky behavior.
n Cause mental confusion and impair the ability to take medication prescribed for HIV and other conditions.
LGBT-friendly treatment options
If you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender meth user, help is available.
“I would encourage people to look for Crystal Meth Anonymous meetings,” said Jean Malpas, a New York-based psychotherapist. “It’s usually a good way to meet other people who are working on their sobriety, and working on getting off crystal meth, and usually those web sites will list other web sites for family and friends.”
To find a Crystal Meth Anonymous meeting, go to www.crystalmeth.org and search for a local group near you.
Many urban cities offer Crystal Anonymous groups geared specifically toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender addicts. There also are 12-step meth groups designed especially for people living with HIV, as well.
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LGBT content
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