 |
| |
Drug Addiction in the Gay and Lesbian Community
Gay drug Addiction
Gay drug addiction has become an increasing concern because of the close relationship between gay drug addiction and HIV/AIDS. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), over the last few years over 50% of the new HIV and AIDS cases have come up from intravenous drug use. This figure does not specifically apply to gay intravenous drug users, but all drug users; however, homosexual males are the highest HIV positive group. Gay drug addiction is a very dangerous category because although overall cases of HIV have gone down the number of injecting drug users transmitting HIV has risen. While intravenous drug use is one of the more risky categories, all gay drug addiction has risks because drugs and alcohol lower inhibitions and lead to poor choices and unsafe actions.
Drugs' Negative Effects on the Body
Almost all drugs have negative and detrimental effects on the body and the mind. Drugs such as cocaine and meth amphetamines are known to be associated with gay party life and gay drug addiction. These drugs damage the body and can include side effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate leading to heart attacks and strokes. MDMA another popular drug has similar effects and all of these drugs can result in brain damage, learning and memory impairment as well as changes in normal functioning including breathing, sleeping and eating.
Brain Impairment and Irrational Behavior
Drug addicts that have problems with street drugs and pharmaceuticals know the impact that these drugs have had on their thinking and behavior. Drug addiction leads people to do things such as stealing, lying and cheating, as well as things they never thought they would do just to get their next “fix”. Each category of drugs has its own side effects and consequences, however all of these categories: stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, opiates, anesthetics and pharmaceuticals, all cause impairment and impact brain functioning and normalcy. In addition, many of these drugs lead to impaired sensibilities and increased promiscuity which often leads to increased exposure to infection fro HIV/AIDS.
Opiate Drug Addiction
Opiates including heroin, codeine and morphine are commonly injected and have caused many problems in the gay drug addiction community. Side effects of these drugs include nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and decreased involuntary functions including breathing and heart rate.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Many drug addicts resort to prescription drugs to help feed their addiction looking to depressants including Valium, Vicodin, and Xanax used to reduce pain, and in drug addicts produce a numbing, out-of-reality effect. These drugs are highly addictive and similar to opiates also slow the body’s level of functioning to very low and dangerous levels. Overdoses of prescription drugs and opiates are very common among drug addicts.
Hallucinogen Drug Addiction
Other popular drugs in the gay drug addiction community and among other addicts are drugs such as Special K, LSD, and PCP. These drugs can cause hallucinations, depression, anxiety attacks and severe depressions.
Drug Addiction is Treatable
All drug addiction is treatable and at Spencer's Options we understand the pain you are going through. If you or someone you love has a problem with drug addiction and cannot quit alone, there is hope. We offer comprehensive alcohol and drug intervention and addiction treatment, and we are one of the only rehabilitation centers in the country to offer specialized programs for gay cliental.
Call Today Toll Free 1-800-281-5919
|
|
 |
|
|
