Predictors of crystal methamphetamine use in a community-based sample of UK men who have sex with men

Melendez‐Torres, G. J.; Bonell, Chris; Hickson, Ford; Bourne, Adam; Reid, David; Weatherburn, Peter

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.06.010

Cited by 18 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Recreational use of crystal meth has been recently reported in both homosexual and bisexual men as sexual desire enhancer and inhibition reducer [ 36 ]. However, as above reported for erectile dysfunction agents, methamphetamine use in this context has been shown to contribute to a rise in high-risk sexual behaviours as well as in the incidence of HIV [ 37 ] with possible interaction with HAART [ 38 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

When “Chems” Meet Sex: A Rising Phenomenon Called “ChemSex”

et al. 2017

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Background: The term “chemsex” was coined to indicate the voluntary intake of psychoactive and non psychoactive drugs in the context of recreational settings to facilitate and/or to enhance sexual intercourses mostly among men who have sex with other men (MSM).Objective: The authors aimed to review the mechanisms of action, the toxicity and the pattern of use and abuse of substances involved in “chemsex” practice together with the sociocultural background underlying it and the health-related consequences that they may have.Results: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone,1,4-butanediol, mephedrone, methamphetamine, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and alkyl nitrites have been described in their role of “chemsex drugs” including pharmacological action and in their implication to impair capacities to chose sexual partners and consensual sex. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that sexual activity over protracted length of time under the influence of chemsex drugs can result in rectal trauma or penile abrasions and a significant increase of the risk of transmission of sexual transmitted diseases, especially in case of condomless intercourses, which are frequent in this context, representing therefore a serious health threat.Conclusion: One of the major problems to establish health policy priority interventions for chemsex is the lack of available epidemiological data on the issue. Finally, social actions should be taken in order to break down the barriers that currently exist among chemsex drug users in accessing services, including the shame and stigma often associated with drug use. In conclusion, more specific resources to face high risks of infections and HIV transmission are required in bisexual and homosexual individuals having SUID: sex under the influence of drugs.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

When “Chems” Meet Sex: A Rising Phenomenon Called “ChemSex”

et al. 2017

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“…The associations we found between drug use and sexual risk behaviour are of concern. These were consistently greatest among those who used methamphetamine and also polydrug users, and much overseas research among GBM has focussed on these groups . A quarter of methamphetamine users for example reported over 20 male partners in the prior 6 months, over 40% had engaged in UAIC and over a fifth had been diagnosed with an STI in the last year.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Illicit drug use among New Zealand gay and bisexual men: Prevalence and association with sexual health behaviours

Saxton

Newcombe

Ahmed

et al. 2017

Drug and Alcohol Review

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Drug use was common in this sample of GBM. Polydrug and methamphetamine users had especially high sexual health needs, but risks remained elevated among GBM consuming other drugs. Drug harm reduction programs and HIV prevention should target GBM with problematic drug use. Limitations include an inability to attribute causation. [Saxton P, Newcombe D, Ahmed A, Dickson N, Hughes A. Illicit drug use among New Zealand gay and bisexual men: Prevalence and association with sexual health behaviours. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000-000].

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“…In England, these issues have returned to the forefront of debate because of concern relating to chemsex, a minority drug use behaviour5 51 that can nevertheless lead to significant harm. By virtue of numerous sexual partners in quick succession, coupled with inconsistent condom use and insufficient certainty in serosorting of sexual partners, the conditions are set for HIV and other STI transmission.…”

Section: Impacts Of Substance Usementioning

confidence: 99%