Written by Tony Starkilla
Crystal Methamphetamine or Crystal Meth for short is a dangerous drug that has plagued the gay community for some time now and continues to bring darkness to those who seek it. A very addictive drug in crystalline form, more commonly known as “Tina” or “speed” is a silent but deadly party drug that is contributing to the fast growing epidemic of infected HIV cases among gay men and youth. One way crystal meth is absorbed to get high consists of snorting which usually happens the first time because it is mistaken for cocaine. The other two ways give an instant high which is described as euphoric at first, inhaling through a glass pipe and injection by a needle in the arm.
It is a Tuesday night and I decided to go on hulu.com (this is a website to watch free TV shows and movies). Therefore, I curiously chose to watch a documentary titled “Meth” that follows the story of gay men who are addicted to crystal meth. It completely inspired me to write another blog. As you all know HIV/AIDS is a subject I feel strongly about. When the men who interviewed spoke about unsafe sex, this story grabbed my attention even more so. The ultimate price for these men not using a condom when on this drug, lead to HIV positive diagnoses for each of them was saddening. The ages ranged from young twenties to older forties. One man says, “safe sex is appropriate, but it doesn’t cross your mind.” Another saying, “There’s a sense of intimacy in allowing him to cum inside me, the drug took me there.”
The interviews continue and what they describe next is shocking. “This was my fifteen minutes of fame, nothing else mattered.” “All the lovey dovey is gone and all that is left is hardcore sex.” Another remembers being high on speed, having raw sex also called barebacking. “He topped me, and suddenly he stopped. I said aren’t you going to cum? He said I already did and just left.” (During gay sex, there is a “top and bottom”, the top fucks and the bottom is fucked.) Tina most likely makes an appearance at circuit parties in the club scene, bathhouses and sex parties. Its disturbing to know that until the first hit or bump of speed these men would not involve themselves in such risky behavior. This drug takes over completely and the person becomes imprisoned. Tina tricks you with confidence and then boom she has control that is very hard to claim back! Another man interviewed tells the camera “I was homeless, HIV positive with no medicine.”
Crystal meth users are having sex with out any sense of responsibility and continue to have sex unprotected because they feel invincible when high. The drug impairs the brain, which causes the mind to make the wrong choices without hesitation. Taking the time to put on a condom ruins the excitement and fantasy of raw sex. Those who become addicted will most likely be infected with HIV or Hepatitis C or even have an STD if no intervention happens. HIV has no plans to stop and Tina enables it to infect whomever, however, whenever! Condoms have no jurisdiction. We as humans who care for others and must recognize this is a serious problem within the gay community. Talk to the ones about possible drug use and if so, we have to do our best to get help and obtain victory before it destroys a brother, a uncle, a boyfriend or father for good. Personally, I believe if Tina continues to seduce, HIV will continue to find a way into the lives of gay men.
Short Term effects:
Loss of appetite
Increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
Dilation of pupils
Panic and psychosis
Hallucination, irritability
Long Term effects:
Respiratory (breathing) problems if smoked
Depression
Damage to the brain, liver, lungs, and kidney
Weight loss
Tooth decay