Book Description

Could crystal meth use in the gay community be responsible for a resurgence in the AIDS epidemic? According to recent studies, gay men who use crystal methamphetamine were twice as likely to have unprotected sex as those who did not — and more than three times as likely to be HIV-positive. Crystal Meth and Men Who Have Sex with Men is an unflinching look at this dangerous threat to the gay community, addressing the health and mental health needs of “Tina” users who are lost in a downward spiral of addiction and high-risk sexual behaviors. This vital book is the product of a unique collaboration between the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and researchers, clinicians, and community activists. Crystal Meth and Men Who Have Sex with Men contains the published proceedings of two important community events that took place in 2004 in New York City—“The Crystal Meth-HIV Connection: A Public Forum with Harvey Fierstein” and “Crystal Methamphetamine: Understanding and Treatment an Emerging Health Crisis.” Each article—whether drawn from personal account, research study, or online survey—reinforces the reality for the gay community that wherever crystal meth is, increases in sexual risk behaviors for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are sure to follow. This powerful book will help you to identify, approach, and treat clients who use meth, examing the physical, medical, and psychological effects and consequences of its widespread abuse. Topics addressed in Crystal Meth and Men Who Have Sex with Men include: the medical complications associated with methamphetamine use in HIV-infected patients, including hypertension, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and stroke the alarming rise in the number of emergency room visits related to crystal meth use the psychiatric consequences of methamphetamine use sexual history taking and screening for sexually transmitted infections creative educational interventions and clinical strategies substance abuse treatment interventions cognitive-behavioral therapy motivational interviewing gay-identified community-based treatment programs “club drugs” and the increase of HIV incidence harm reduction and much more Crystal Meth and Men Who Have Sex with Men is an essential resource for health and mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. It’s equally beneficial for staff and administrators of community-based organizations that serve gay men.