Meth: Causing an HIV Epidemic?

The use of methamphetamine in communities of men who have sex with other men has been on the rise in recent years. According to one study conducted by the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, 1 in 4 people who had HIV testing at their center had used methamphetamine. Use of the drug among these populations is 10 times higher than it is among the general population.

Methamphetamine is a popular drug used at night clubs and parties because of its ability to increase sexual pleasure and decrease inhibitions. However, the drug is promoting the spread of HIV within the community.

What is meth? Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a super-concentrated stimulant. It is related to other stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy, and Ritalin. Street names for the drug include: crystal, tina, meth, or speed. There are various methods by which methamphetamine can be introduced to the body including snorting, injecting, smoking, or swallowing. The drug can also be administered via the rectum by mixing the substance with water and injecting it using a syringe. People using meth describe feelings of euphoria and alertness, and report an increased sense of well-being. However, there are many negative consequences to methamphetamine use, including irritability, insomnia, extreme weight loss, loss of appetite, and aggressive behavior. Binge use of the drug (continual use over 2-5 days) or long-term use results in paranoia and even psychosis. Other potential results of long-term methamphetamine use include, gum disease, heart attack, stroke, and enlargement of the heart. The drug is highly addictive. Users build up tolerance to the drug, needing more and more, and end up becoming physically dependent on the substance. One long-term consequence of methamphetamine use is that the symptoms of depression that occur during withdrawal may take years to overcome.

Why is methamphetamine appealing? Methamphetamine users report that the drug increases confidence and self-esteem, and makes them feel euphoric. Consequently, inhibitions are reduced. Both men and women are then more willing to engage in sexual activity, including impulsive activity with anonymous partners. Additionally, methamphetamine users report that the drug intensifies their sexual experience. They report increased pleasurable sensations and are able to engage in sex for longer periods of time. Essentially, it is believed by some that methamphetamine acts as an aphrodisiac. However, some research shows that high doses of methamphetamine actually hinder a man’s ability to maintain an erection.

What are the consequences of methamphetamine use? According to one study in AIDS & Behavior, the center of the AIDS epidemic on the west coast lies within the male meth-using gay community. There is a clear connection between methamphetamine use in this group of people and the spread of HIV. This is occurring for several reasons. First, methamphetamine use increases behaviors that lead to the transmission of HIV. Use of the drug makes it more likely that a person will engage in sex with an unknown partner. The drug also promotes impulsive, unprotected sex, and engaging in this type of sex for longer periods of time. This position constitutes the highest risk for transmission of the HIV virus. One study presented at the National STD Prevention Conference found that methamphetamine users were twice as likely to engage in unprotected receptive anal sexual activity as nonusers.

Meth and the Immune System Not only is there an increase in risky behavior as a result of methamphetamine use, but the body does not fight off the HIV infection as well when it has methamphetamine in its system. Methamphetamine appears to impair the immune system’s ability to fight HIV. There are also negative consequences of methamphetamine use for those who already are HIV positive. Methamphetamine use negatively impacts adherence to HIV retroviral treatment. Users become lax about taking their medications on time and as prescribed. They also fear that the methamphetamine will negatively affect their medication so they stop taking the medication. Additionally, there is a risk that methamphetamine will interact with the HIV medication, causing the body to develop toxicity and lead to death. The effects of methamphetamine are 2-3 times greater for those on a combination therapy to fight HIV. Finally, both methamphetamine and the HIV virus negatively impact certain neurons in the brain, thus increasing the likelihood that an HIV dementia will develop. Altogether, the life-threatening consequences of methamphetamine use are very real. If you have a loved one struggling with methamphetamine drug use, you should help them seek treatment immediately.

See also:

• Brain on Drugs
• Home Drug Testing Kits: Should You Try Them?
• Why They Just Can’t Stop