Bisexuality Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bisexuality, including details on male and female, statistics, trends, psychology.

Explanations for methamphetamine use among gay and bisexual men in New York City.

Halkitis PN, Fischgrund BN, Parsons JT

Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies, New York, New York 10003, USA. perry.halkitis@nyu.edu

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.

Published 28 July 2005 in Subst Use Misuse, 40(9): 1331-45.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Bisexuality Research Today. All Rights Reserved.