Sexual behavior patterns of methamphetamine-using gay and bisexual men.
We assessed the sexual behaviors of 49 gay and bisexual methamphetamine users in New York City and the relationship between their use of the substance and their sexual practices as part of a larger investigation of the behavioral aspects of methamphetamine use. Participants were assessed on their use of methamphetamine and their sexual behaviors in conjunction with use of the substance. Participants reported equivalent rates of unprotected anal insertive and receptive behaviors when comparing their sexual acts while high on methamphetamine, high on other drugs, and sober. In addition, equivalent rates of "extreme" sex acts were found for 10 of the 12 behaviors examined while high on methamphetamine and while sober. While wefound few differences in terms of rates of sexual behaviors, our analysis revealed more frequent risky sexual behaviors among HIV positive men when compared with HIV negative men. Our results suggest that methamphetamine attracts a hypersexual risk-taking group of men who engage in unprotected sexual behaviors regardless of their methamphetamine use. Treatment implications are discussed.
Halkitis
Perry N
PN
Steinhardt School of Education, Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York 1003, USA. perry.halkitis@nyu.edu
Shrem
Michael T
MT
Martin
Frederick W
FW
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009519:New York City; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014505:Urban Population
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine