Explanations for Methamphetamine Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in New York City

Abstract

Qualitative interview data from Project Tina, a formative investigation of methamphetamine use among gay and bisexual men in New York City, were used to explore the reasons men use methamphetamine. Interviews were conducted with 48 active methamphetamine users, and coding revealed that a majority of the men used the substance to enhance sexual experiences. However, usage was also related to physical needs, emotional needs, and socialization. Differential explanations were noted across participant HIV serostatus, age, and race/ethnicity. HIV seropositive men indicated significantly greater use of methamphetamine for sexual reasons, as did older respondents. HIV seronegative participants reported significantly greater use of the drug for social reasons, as did younger men. White participants were significantly more likely to use the drug for physical reasons compared to other men. These data suggest that methamphetamine use is multifaceted. Treatment programs should consider individual differences and motivations for drug use in tailoring programs.

Keywords:

• methamphetamine
• stimulants
• motivations
• men who have sex with men
• ethnographic

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Perry N. Halkitis

Perry N. Halkitis, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Chair, as well as Director of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies, Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School of Education, New York University, and a research affiliate of the New York University Medical School Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Dr. Halkitis has worked in the field of HIV/AIDS conducting behavioral research since 1995. His work has focused on prevention for HIV-positive people, HIV treatment and adherence issues, methamphetamine and other club drug use in the gay community, bareback behavior and identity, conceptions of masculinity among gay men, genetic resistance to HIV, and spirituality in the LGBT population.

Beth N. Fischgrund

Beth N. Fischgrund worked as a research assistant at CHIBS, where she studied HIV medication adherence, club drug use, and sexual behaviors. Her research interests include HIV prevention and education, outreach work, and sexual health. She received her B.A. in sociology and psychology honors from New York University.

Jeffrey T. Parsons

Jeffrey T. Parsons, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Psychology at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), as well as the Co-Director of the Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training (CHEST). Dr. Parsons has been working in the field of HIV/AIDS, conducting behavioral research, and evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to reduce HIV transmission since 1992. His work has focused on various populations of those living with HIV (persons with hemophilia, gay and bisexual men, alcohol and other drug abusers, youth).