Crystal methamphetamine use amongst gay and bisexual men here has climbed in recent years, making Los Angeles a chief center for crystal among gay and bisexual men. Crystal has not only entered our community, it is infusing the gay culture. References to crystal emerge in advertising, media, chat lines and community events, and it comes up in conversations at parties.( Ekstrand, Paul, J.P., & Coates, T.J. (1999)) Going places or talking to people who haven't been touched by crystal in some way has become difficult. There are many reasons that gay and bisexual men use crystal. Some users claim that crystal is "what cocaine promises but doesn't deliver." The effects of crystal can last up to 12 hours. It is more powerful than cocaine, yet less expensive. Some people use it to work long hours. Others claim it helps them to finish tasks and concentrate on one activity at a time. Many people note that crystal makes them feel more awake, alert, confident and vigorous. (Dukers, Prins, M., Weverling, G.J.(2001))
Crystal meth users are at least three times as likely as nonusers to be HIV-positive. A San Francisco study in the August issue of AIDS, which surveyed nearly 3,000 men who have sex with men and who were tested anonymously for HIV in 2000 and 2001. More than 10% of men who have sex with men who were tested at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center in 2004 said they had used meth, almost double the rate from 2001. Meth abuse combined with HIV causes alterations in the size of brain structures, leading to difficulties in learning, solving problems, maintaining attention, and processing information.( Dukers, Prins, M., Weverling, G.J.(2001))
Heightening of sexual experiences is almost certainly the biggest reason for crystal's popularity. Crystal users say that use of crystal results in an increased sexual drive, intensification of the senses, and increased energy..................
