Is Crystal Meth Uncool?

[Peter Staley]

Check out my latest blog posting:

http://blogs.poz.com/peter/archives/2009/02/is_crystal_unco.html

If you comment here, please cut & paste it below my blog entry as well. 

Thanks for reading!

[rondrond]

I used Crystal Meth in the 80's. Many who used with me are no longer here to represent the forefront of the epidemic.

I have yet to met anyone who used, who could cut back, or limit themselves. Once you start, you keep going until it is gone.

Ron~

[Miss Philicia]

We should keep in mind that there were *some* of us who could do this once a month and not become addicted.  But meth was never "cool" really, just like heroin wasn't.  There was always a substantial amount of people, at least in my circles, who always looked down on it, even though they had no problem doing other, less-addictive, drugs.

One of the problems with (many) drugs addict is that they only know other addicts or they know non-users.  It's all black and white, with no grey.

[GSOgymrat]

Meth is not popular everywhere. Here in central NC we rarely see patients in the emergency room who test positive for it; crack, marijuana, alcohol and opiate pain medications are the drugs of choice here. Crystal meth is generally perceived as a drug of the rural poor ("hillbilly cocaine") and not "cool".

[rondrond]

We should keep in mind that there were *some* of us who could do this once a month and not become addicted.  But meth was never "cool" really, just like heroin wasn't.  There was always a substantial amount of people, at least in my circles, who always looked down on it, even though they had no problem doing other, less-addictive, drugs.

One of the problems with (many) drugs addict is that they only know other addicts or they know non-users.  It's all black and white, with no grey.

I agree. It is black and white, no grey.

The 'counselors' decided that I didn't have a drug problem, but a living problem. Once I dealt with the problem in my life,  I didn't need the drug to hide behind any more.

I had a circle of friends who, once you are known to them, they never go away, (until death do we part.) Though we don't socialize, we still have chance encounters....it's a small world.

I don't crave the drug any more, but I witness them, and feel for them, and have to be careful not to be sucked back into the circle.
We share a common bond that can't be broken. (If that makes any sense.)

I know that if I bought a bag with the intent to use a little and ration it, that I would fail. No one in my circle ever could. We would do it until it was gone.

[Miss Philicia]

The issue isn't how much of one bag you'd do, the issue is if the bag morphs into a multiple day event week after week.  One messy binge every three months is not an addiction as far as I know.  But yeah, if you're an addict it is probably necessary to see this topic as a black and white issue.

I'm not meaning to make light of it.  Assuredly meth and heroin are in a league separate from most other drugs, but not everyone who uses either necessarily becomes hooked, just a larger % do when compared with the others.

Also, more on topic, here in Philadelphia crack is a larger problem in the African American gay community.  I would caution viewing everything from a white perspective.

[Peter Staley]

I agree with Philly that there's a whole lot of gray when it comes to meth use.  However, I'm not sure it's important or wise to structure our public health approach to meth in the gay community based on those lucky guys who are able to just dabble with it from time to time.

Here's why:

1)  There doesn't seem to be any way to predict who will fall into which using category BEFORE they try meth.  We know guys have become hooked that had no prior drug or alcohol addiction.  Same thing with guys that have few if any mental health issues.  Yes, both those factors probably increase the risk, but meth seems to be able to nab anyone, largely based on unpredictable personal experiences.

2)  Folks can move from one category to the next, without much warning.  For instance, someone can be a casual user for years, just snorting meth on the dance floor once a month, then end up having hot sex with someone who pulls out a pipe.  Their first experience combining smoked meth with hot sex might turn them into an overnight addict.

3)  Toning down our public messages on meth so that casual users don't roll their eyes at them seems like wasted effort in this light.  The more comfortable and acceptable we make casual use, the larger the pool of potential users and potential addicts.  In other words, given how much harm is caused by this drug, doesn't casual use, in a macro sense, feed this harm?

I just wrote this pretty fast, so if my arguments are less than coherent, my apologies.  Besides, I can blame it on my meth-damaged brain.

 

[fearless]

To me, the question "Is crystal meth uncool?" reflects part of the problem.

I'm yet to be convinced that any one drug is 'better' or 'worse' than any other. The real issue is the gay community's overall hypocrital attitude to drug use and the confused messages it sends out.

Drug use in general is condoned within the gay community. In fact, my recollections of first coming out are that it was actively promoted.

What's 'in' or 'cool' this year is out and uncool a few years later.

IMO. Drug use and opinions on its use brings out the worst in the 'gay community', if such a community exists. When your in the 'scene' drug use is rampant and noone really seems to give a rats arse as to how much you use or how often. If you fall off the edge and become addicted you disappear from the 'scene' and this so called community treats you wish scorn, disdain and even contempt.

Campaigns such as 'Crystal free and sexy', whilst admirable do nothing to address the broader issues of drug use amongst gay men. If meth use is falling, I suspect that something new or better or cooler has simply replaced it.

And, I should ad that I don't make my statements as some sort of anti-drg campaigner. I've spent the the last 20 years as a casual but reasonably regular injecting drug user, crystal included, and don't plan on stopping any time soon.

[Oh501sguy]

I don't actually know anybody who uses crystal Meth... what I see is coke and a lot of it.  I feel sad for the addiction that I see that goes with it...  The costs in friendships, destroyed health and ruined lives.

[scud44]

I have friends who use crystal on a regular basis and unfortunaely I can see what its doig to them. 
They are oblivious to the consequences of constant use and are destroying themselves physically and socially.
I despair for these guys and no matter what I say or do, they continue the use.
It is tragic and a slow withdrawal from living.
Scuddles

[mecch]

Topic of drugs and sex fascinates me.
Topic of addiction fascinates me.

Doing drugs with sex. Well its pretty cool. But i guess nobody wants it ruin their lives. Right?

Miss P had it right about grey areas.

On a related note, I think we need to put sex + drugs square on the table for discussion.

Cause finally the most exciting sex I ever imagined (it was heterosexual and in a novel about the Indian Mutiny), and the most wonderful sex I ever had, was without drugs.

That said, my ex seroconverted from drugs+ sex and it destroyed our relationship and I'm suspicious I seroconverted from drugs + sex so voila. neither of us are addicts. 

this topic is so freaking complex.

[aliveinla]

I did it once but never wanted to try it again. The high was great, but the next day feeling of no appetite, couldn't sleep, totally ruined the fun. Even when i was super high, I forced the guy to use condom even on a dildo he tried to use on me... I was neg back then.

Then I met tons of guys doing crystal. One thing in common is that most of them couldn't get real hard or keep it up.

Meth is uncool.

[Peter Staley]

So true. 

I like that the article discussed the need for messages/discussion that deal with the realities of meth plus sex.  I'm the first to admit that very few of the ads that ran in NYC tackled this angle directly.

The only message that seems to get out is that meth = mind-blowing sex.  This is true, but typically for the short-term only.

It is equally true that meth often equals some great sex followed by increasing pathetic sex followed by a completely ruined sex life.

Once you get to that last stage, then "meth = great sex" becomes kind of a joke.

And have you ever been sober and tried to have sex with a tweaker?  It ain't pretty, or fun.

[red_Dragon888]

I did it once but never wanted to try it again. The high was great, but the next day feeling of no appetite, couldn't sleep, totally ruined the fun. Even when i was super high, I forced the guy to use condom even on a dildo he tried to use on me... I was neg back then.

Then I met tons of guys doing crystal. One thing in common is that most of them couldn't get real hard or keep it up.

Meth is uncool.

I'd tried it couples of times and I don't see what's the big Woop.  Yeah, it's a nice high, but I can't get into it.  I guess I am immuned.

[allopathicholistic]

#11 and #12 make me say "meth-free is the way to be" (and i'll never try it)

[Jody]

I tried it a couple of times and while it had an effect on others who were doing it, I got nothing from it, not even a buzz...Lucky me I guess.

Jody

[CJWAUS]

Meth was great the first time back  in January of 2002 on an extended trip to San Francisco, I had a 4 day meth orgy at the Four Seasons. Then I went home and discovered that meth plus internet made for no more lonely nights or weekends.

Then came HIV, that made it better, i could fuck and get fucked with the best of them with no regard for the what ifs. Then came the sad realization that this wasn't real this was just guys using each other for depraved sex. Then came the needle, man was that a high, i don't remember that night but I remember the crash.

Now i can't figure out how to negotiate sex and dating without meth, and I'm the loneliest guy in the world even if I have the magic baggie, I'm still alone no matter who's in the bed with me.

[Peter Staley]

CJ -- I've heard stories like yours more times than I can count.  That's why I think the "meth = great sex" reputation is so off-base.

meth eventually = pathetic sex

[lucas777]

I've never used meth but I can relate to loneliness also to emptiness after 15 years of crack and heroin addiction, I feel like there is a huge gap between me and the reality and people, feel often confused . Sex in my opinion is best without any chemicals in the body(I speak for myself). also I think drugs make you empty and isolated in the end.  I found a great deal of help from 12 steps programme and the fellowships.

Bless,
L.

[CJWAUS]

I never fit into the gay "community" very well, and meth is what made me feel like I belonged.  I have gone a year or close to it without using, and that's the same period I go without being with another guy.

There are lots of groups and events in Seattle for gay meth users who have quit or are trying to quit however they see to be quite into the younger guys, they get all the "support" and phone calls while the older (39) guys like myself are kind of left out in the cold. This was pointed out to me when my former BF who was 21 went to a meeting  and listed my mobile number on the call sheet.  It was our only phone number but after three days of voice mails from the overeager helping hands of the support group members. To this day I have e only received calls from one member of the groups I tried to go to.

[Peter Staley]

CJ -- everything you just said here is worth saying out loud at a meeting.  These meetings are filled with folks like you and me -- humans, with all their character flaws.  But if you raise your hand and speak honestly, and from the heart, someone will reach out to you.

Just as you deserve to be patient with yourself, you need to be patient with others as well.  Keep trying!