What is Methamphetamine?

Crystal is a methamphetamine, a stimulant that can produce a sense of self-confidence and often raises levels of energy and stamina.  It acts on the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which control pleasure and alertness, respectively.

It is typically found as a white, yellowish or reddish powder, a waxy solid, or a clear rock.  It can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected, or inserted anally (“booty bumping”).  Crystal is also known as Tina, Crissy, bump, speed, ice, glass, or tweak.

What are the effects of Methamphetamine?

It creates a feeling of euphoria, increases energy, and suppresses appetite.  It also lessens your ability and desire to sleep.  The effects can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours and is usually followed by a crash – a period of exhaustion, depression, irritability and, in most cases, paranoia.  The liberating nature of the drug means that safe sex practices are often abandoned.  It has been reported in the United States that in many new HIV cases, methamphetamine use has been a factor.

Is Methamphetamine Addictive?

A lot of gay guys start using meth to overcome feelings of inadequacy, both in physical appearance and sexual attractiveness.  A lot of positive guys take crystal to forget about their HIV for a while.  Other guys, deeply entrenched in a homophobic society, find that crystal is the only way they can come to terms with their queer selves.  But whatever the reasons, it is incredibly difficult to quit.  A lot of guys overestimate their ability to use crystal.  This leads to rapidly develop a craving-reward addiction cycle that is very hard to escape.

What are the risks associated with Methamphetamine?

Immediate use causes a sharp spike in your blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, chest pain and possible overdose.  It can also cause damage to your penis or anus from aggressive, prolonged sex.  It lowers your inhibitions, allowing you to experiment with unsafe sex practices.  Prolonged use can lead to excessive weight loss, impaired memory, chronic depression, paranoia, temporary psychosis, impotence, tooth loss, abscesses, soft tissue infections, hepatitis, STDs, and HIV infection.

Are there specific risks of injecting Methamphetamine?

The dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose.  Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can cause septicemia, endocarditis and other infections.  Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.  Sharing syringes increases the risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

If you or someone you know feel that they may have a problem with Methamphetamine, please click on the following link for more information. Click here to find out more about drug and alcohol treatment programs.