A qualitative descriptive study of perceived sexual effects of club drug use in gay and bisexual men

Abstract

Club drug use is often associated with unsafe sexual practices, and use remains prevalent among gay and bisexual men. Although epidemiological studies commonly report the risk of engaging in unsafe sex due to the effects of particular club drugs, there remain gaps in the literature regarding the specific sexual effects of such substances and the context of their use in this population. We examined secondary data derived from interviews with 198 club drug-using gay and bisexual males in New York City and qualitatively describe subjective sexual effects of five drugs: ecstasy, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, powder cocaine and methamphetamine. Differences and commonalities across the five drugs were examined. Results suggest that each drug tends to provide (1) unique sexual effects, (2) its own form of disinhibition and (3) atypical sexual choices, often described as ‘lower sexual standards’. Differences across drugs emerged with regard to social, sensual and sexual enhancement, sexual interest and impotence. Although some common perceived sexual effects exist across drugs, the wide variation in these effects suggests different levels of risk and may further suggest varying motivations for using each substance. This study seeks to educate public health officials regarding the sexual effects of club drug use in this population.

Keywords:

• club drugs
• gay and bisexual men
• HIV
• sexual risk taking
• methamphetamine

Acknowledgement

This study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Contract # R01DA13798).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph J. Palamar

Joseph J. Palamar, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an assistant professor at the Institute for Prevention Science, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, at the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. Dr. Palamar has been a research affiliate of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at NYU for over a decade, and his work focuses primarily on substance use, sexual behaviour, religiosity and the stigma associated with risk behaviours.

Mathew V. Kiang

Mathew V. Kiang, M.P.H., is a research assistant in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Harvard School of Public Health. He remains affiliated with the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at New York University where he was a graduate research intern while earning his Master’s of Public Health at New York University. His research interests include effective implementation of health policy in reducing disparities.

Erik D. Storholm

Erik D. Storholm, M.A., is a research assistant at the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at New York University (NYU) and is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at NYU. His research interests include the study of addictive behaviour and LGBT health, specifically, substance abuse intervention and HIV prevention among marginalized minority populations.

Perry N. Halkitis

Perry N. Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S., is associate dean for Research and Doctoral Studies, professor of Applied Psychology and Public Health and director of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at the Steinhardt School, of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. Dr. Halkitis is internationally recognized for his work examining the intersection between the HIV, drug abuse and mental health, and is well known as one of the nation’s leading experts on methamphetamine addiction and HIV behavioural research.