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NATIONAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
'Tina' spurs rise in STDs
Researchers attribute meth use to resurgence in gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia infections in men who have sex with other men. It is usually smoked, injected or snorted; however it can also be swallowed and inserted into the anus.
Because “Tina” (a common nickname for meth in the gay com-
munity) can cause impotence at the same time that it is
increasing libido, some users combine it with Viagra or other
erectile dysfunction medications while under its influence. In a
study of HIV positive gay and bisexual male meth users, 90%
of the respondents said their motivation for using the drug was
to enhance sexual pleasure.
“The circuit party scene and the bath house scene have
become avenues to introduce meth on a grand scale,” Randy
Martin, director of the Arlington-based Dallas/Fort Worth
chapter of the Pride Institute, an addiction recovery organization,
said in a story for Dallas Voice. “Being that those two environments are set up for long hours of partying and long hours of sexual activity, meth has become a tool to first enable someone to participate at that level physically; secondly, anything that stands in the way of a person's participation such as low self-esteem or depression, meth takes care of.”
Meth use often leads to other risky behavior, such as sharing needles and skipping daily medication regimens for HIV treatment.
Among HIV-positive men, studies indicate that meth is often used as a means to deal with fears and stigma surrounding the disease.
“What I often say is that crystal is very efficient drug - it’s a very powerful drug,” Malpas said. “It’s euphoric, boosts self esteem, (allows users to be) more socially comfortable in the first few hours.”
Recovering meth addict Jason Fail told the Denver Post he used the drug to help lift his mood.
“A lot of gay men have been beaten down and persecuted just for being gay,” he said.
“And then you do the drug and you feel like a queen bee all day long. It feels like it's your world, and you’re in charge of it.”
But those feelings often end in a crash, and come with a price.
During his eight-year addiction, Devin, who did not reveal his last name, lost five jobs, and ended up in the emergency six times due to dehydration and rapid heartbeat. Several of his teeth began to rot from grinding and neglect.
“Food, sleep and HIV medication go out the window,” he told the New York Times. “Crystal takes over your life entirely. You don’t really care about anything except the next high.”
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Among HIV-positive men, studies indicate that meth is often used as a means to deal with fears and stigma surrounding the disease.
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