Methamphetamine+Use+in+Men+who+have+sex+with+Men+(MSM)

= = = Methamphetamine =



= = toc Methamphetamine is categorized as a [|stimulant] and is highly addictive (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014). It is an odorless substance that can be smoked, injected, inhaled, taken orally, or as a "booty bump", which is an injection of methamphetamine into the anus (Goodrich, 2011). When injecting methamphetamine it is often dissolved in water or alcohol (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014).

 Methamphetamine is more commonly known by the street name "meth". However it is referred to many other names such as: speed, crank, chalk, chandelier, ice, quartz, and redneck cocaine (Goodrich, 2011).

**Effects of Methamphetamine Use**
The euphoria from methamphetamine use does not last long which often causes repetitive and frequent use to sustain the high (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014). The National Institute on Drug Abuse identifies the impact of long term methamphetamine use. This includes: anxiety, confusion, sleep disturbances, violent behavior, auditory and visual hallucinations and delusions. It is the delusions that often lead to a person picking at their face, arms, legs, and other body parts as they are experiencing the sensation of bugs under their skin (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014).

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Perceived Positive Effects in MSM
For men who have sex with men, methamphetamine use has many positive side effects. The most notable effect is their ability to have prolonged sexual encounters and a heightened sensation of feeling. Additionally, men report that the addition of methamphetamine allows them to engage in behaviors they normally would not engage in and report an increase in sexual experimentation.

Perceived Negative Effects in MSM
For men who have sex with men, methamphetamine use also has negative side effects. Because use of a substance lowers a person's inhibitions, MSM report having regret stating they engaged in behaviors they normally would not have. Additionally men report having a lack of control when under the influence of methamphetamine and there is an increased rate of unprotected sex. = Substance Abuse Treatment =

Barriers to Treatment
There are many barriers to substance abuse treatment for any population. However, MSM are experiencing the barriers of others as well as additional barriers. Goodrich (2011) notes the impact of clinicians lacking knowledge and competencies in working with MSM. Because of the lack of knowledge, the needs of this population are not being addressed. Additionally, clinicians are not receiving the educational background regarding methamphetamine use limiting their abilities to apply therapeutic techniques and education appropriately.

As for MSM, Goodrich (2011) explores the personal barriers they will experience as they enter into treatment. Most addiction treatment centers operate on a person’s ability to connect with others and gain support through groups. However, often times methamphetamine is not as commonly seen in treatment centers limiting a person’s ability to connect with their peers. Therefore, MSM who are seeking methamphetamine treatment have limited access to peer support outside of the bar scene (Goodrich, 2011) thus creating a vicious cycle. Additionally many men report increased sexual satisfaction due to the use of methamphetamine (Goodrich, 2011) which then limits their ability to find sexual satisfaction without the substance. This coupled with the increased ability to lose weight due to methamphetamine use, makes the potential for relapse high for this population.

Considerations for Treatment/Education
For clinicians and educators working with MSM and methamphetamine use, there are some considerations. First, an organization must infuse material into their program or curriculum to be inclusive of MSM. Additionally, an individual must education themselves on MSM/LGBT competencies including but not limited to understanding language used and behaviors of this group (Goodrich, 2011). This includes needing to explore any and all biases towards this population and seeking supervision when needed. It is important to note, this may also result in assisting individuals with a referral to another clinical, educator, or agency that is better suited to address the individual’s needs.

As with any person engaging in use and abuse of substances there is an increased rate of trauma. Clinicians and educators should be knowledgeable of trauma and trauma informed care (Goodrich, 2011). Due to the power of the perceived positive effects of methamphetamine use, individuals seeking treatment should explore harm reduction techniques as relapse can occur. Helping individuals identify these techniques to reduce their risk, will allow them to be better prepared in the event of a relapse. Finally, it is important for everyone to be knowledgeable about community resources for all individuals.

= References =

Goodrich (2011). Methamphetamine treatment issues and considerations among men who have sex with men. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 32, 43-57.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (2014). Drug facts: Methamphetamine. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine.