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Crystal Meth & HIV/AIDS
 Use
of crystal methamphetamine (also known
as Crystal, Tina, Chrissy, ice, speed) is a significant problem across
the U.S. In suburban and rural areas, crystal use is most prevalent among
heterosexual individuals, while it appears more prevalent among gay
men in urban settings. Chicago is no exception, with approximately 10%
of gay men surveyed reporting use of the drug in 2003. Crystal use is
associated with higher-risk sexual behaviors that can lead to HIV and
STD transmission.
Information
and resources:
Having
sex with multiple, non-regular partners and having sex without a condom
are just some of the higher-risk behaviors with which crystal is associated.
For HIV-positive individuals, prolonged crystal use can accelerate the
progression of HIV to AIDS, make it difficult to adhere to treatment,
and exacerbate HIV/AIDS symptoms.
Crystal
users experience increased energy and libido, and decreased fatigue and
inhibitions. One hit of the drug can last up to 12 hours, and is available
for as little as $20. Despite its allure, crystal is highly addictive
(more so than other substances, according to experts) and can lead to
negative mental, physical, and social consequences for both recreational
and chronic users. It works by mimicking the effects of the neurotransmitters
dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin-chemicals in the brain responsible
for feelings of pleasure and alertness.
 At the 2005 North Halsted Market Days, the
Chicago Crystal Meth Task Force, co-convened by the AIDS Foundation of
Chicago and the Chicago Department of Public Health, launched the "Crystal Breaks" awareness campaign and website. The campaign was created pro bono by creative agency Lápiz, which crafted the “Crystal Breaks” theme, and media agency Starcom USA, which was responsible for strategic and striking placement of the campaign message. The campaign will run through the end of the year.
The Task Force consists of service providers
and community and government leaders united in the fight against crystal
meth and its associated harms. The campaign seeks to raise awareness
of the drug, to discourage people from using if they have not started,
to empower those who are using to reduce or quit, and to help those who
continue their use to reduce the harm they inflict on themselves and the
community.
For
more information on the campaign or the Chicago Crystal Meth Task Force,
please email policy@aidschicago.org
or call 312-922-2322.
Below are photos from the "Crystal Breaks" campaign launch at 2005 North Halsted Market Days.
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Crystal
Meth Resources
NEW!
Tips
for HIV Clinicians Working with Meth Users (PDF)
NEW!
A
Key to Methamphetamine Related Literature, developed
by the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, is an index
of methamphetamine-related journal articles
NEW!
Available now to download and print, Deconstructing
Tina: A Compendium Guide to Crystal Meth Education and Support for Gay
and Bisexual Men (PDF)
NEW!
Methamphetamine
Use Among Men in Chicago who Have Sex with Men, Chicago Department
of Public Health Surveillance Report, Summer 2005 (PDF)
NEW!
Booklets
for gay/bi men who want to help a loved one involved in problematic drug
or alcohol use:
When
Your Friend Has a Drug or Alcohol Problem (PDF)
When
Your Partner has a Drug or Alcohol Problem (PDF)
Gay Men's
Health Crisis, Treatment Issues– Methamphetamine
focus
Presentations
and audio of the First
National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis Conference Sessions
are now on-line and
available for download
"Crystal
Meth, HIV and the Brain" Article
(PDF)
If
you live in the Chicago area, please take TPAN's
online survey about behaviors and beliefs regarding crystal
meth.
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