Links Between Childhood Abuse, Insidious Trauma, and Methamphetamine Use Across the Lifespan Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Analysis

ABSTRACT

Developmental and lifespan examinations of methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) remain limited. We used a feminist trauma framework to examine potential links between childhood trauma, trauma-related stressors, and methamphetamine use among GBM. From June 2018 to October 2018, semi-structured interviews (N = 33) were conducted with GBM across British Columbia. Interviews focused on sexual experiences, support services, and methamphetamine use. Using thematic analysis, two overarching trauma-related themes were identified: developmental and insidious trauma and coping with trauma-related stressors. GBM’s methamphetamine use co-occurred with childhood experiences of family- and peer-perpetrated heterosexism, childhood sexual abuse, and intersecting forms of oppression/marginalization. These experiences manifested as internalized shame, interpersonal anxiety, and low self-esteem. In adulthood, participants reported difficulty managing emotions, low self-confidence, and loneliness. GBM reported using methamphetamine to manage negative emotions, life stressors, and overcome barriers to interpersonal connection. Findings indicate a need for trauma-informed interventions that address underlying issues and help GBM cultivate supportive relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM)
• methamphetamine
• trauma
• party and play (PnP)
• qualitative research
• childhood sexual abuse
• heterosexism

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the participants and community partners who made this project possible, especially the Community Based Research Centre (CBRC). This study is supported by the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTNPT 030) and the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR). The reviews expressed herein are solely those of the authors and may not reflect the views of any sponsoring organization.

We would like to thank the community advisory board for providing guidance and our community partners for assisting with recruitment. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to all participants for generously sharing their stories.

Disclosure statement

This study is supported by the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTNPT 030). DMM and NJL are supported by Scholar Awards from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (#5209, #16863). KF is supported by a Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship. GWB is supported by a SSHRC Doctoral Canada Graduate Scholarship. The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Research involving human participants and/or animals

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Boards of the University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University (BC17-485).

Consent to participate

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. All potentially identifying information has been removed to maintain confidentiality and anonymity.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian HIV Trials Network, Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CTNPT 030].