EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ARE KEY TO CURBING METH USE
IN THE GAY COMMUNITY

Crystal meth addiction has infiltrated virtually every social,
economic and cultural component of society, but it first gained
popularity among gay men, in the 1990s, who responded enthusiastically
to its uses as a mood elevator and as a powerful stimulant, allowing
users to dance all night, engage in marathon sex, or both.

But beyond the pursuit of pleasure, there have been some meaningful
discussions as to why gay men are vulnerable to drugs such as crystal
meth.At Tweaker.org, a San Francisco-based website that serves as a
neutral information resource about the drug, a blog posted by a
closeted gay man offers this insight:"I think people like myself, with
low self-esteem, are the easiest to get hooked... On crystal, I was
able to think, my creativity soared and I was confident, it just felt
good, then of course I took the whole package, delusions of grandeur
and everything."

Locally, the Gay Men's Methamphetamine Working Group (GaMMa) aims to
educate gay men about crystal meth by creating a dialogue within the
gay community through outreach and research. GaMMa also welcomes
inquiries from those wishing to volunteer. Info: Gammaray.ca