How does crystal meth impact sexual health risk for gay men?
In a study conducted in November 2004 by the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors and the National Coalition of STD Directors, research showed that crystal meth users were more than twice as likely to be HIV-infected, 1.7 times more likely to test positive for gonorrhea, 1.9 times more likely to test positive for chlamydia and 4.9 times more likely to be diagnosed with syphilis. Various researchers have documented that over the last decade, gay communities in New York City have witnessed a significant increase in the use of methamphetamine. Crystal meth became a drug of choice among a significant number of gay men on the East Coast, particularly in New York City in the 1990s.

There is increasing concern that substances, such as crystal, have become endemic "sex drugs" in some gay male communities and that these "sex drugs" may be contributing to increasing rates of HIV infection by impairing men's judgment about condom use.

Is crystal meth a "sex drug" among gay men?

• A number of studies and public health warnings have cited the growing problem of crystal methamphetamine (crystal) use among gay men. (1,2,3) There is increasing concern that substances such as crystal have become endemic "sex drugs" in some gay male communities and that these "sex drugs"may be contributing to increasing rates of HIV infection by impairing men's judgment about condom use during anal intercourse.