Meth Coalition
Meth increases confidence and lowers inhibitions which then increases chances of having riskier sex than normal – with a greater number of partners and/or without protection. Meth users are more likely to have HIV than those who don’t. No judgment, just a fact. Always talk to partners about their (and your!) HIV status and their willingness to find out. And get tested! For HIV testing info, click here.
Because meth makes us more numb to physical pain, meth users often have sex for long periods of time which can lead to abrasions and tears in the vagina or butt which can leave us open to HIV and other STDs.
Dehydration caused by meth can also lead to injured tissue and broken condoms during long sessions of sex. Using condoms correctly and lots of lube will drastically lower the chance of HIV infection.
Also sharing needles and injection equipment can put us at risk for HIV. If you slam meth, use your own stuff – do not share. For needle exchange site/time info, click here.
We know HIV weakens the immune system over a period of
time and a damaged immune system makes it difficult to fight
off diseases. No new news there!
We also know the party lifestyle (staying awake for days at a
time, not drinking enough water or not eating enough food or
the right foods) also destroys the immune system.
What you might not know is that meth "eats" through the
immune system. Crystal use itself causes a drop in T-cells
and Natural Killer (NK) cells.
The drug, the lifestyle on the drug and HIV take a major toll on
those who are immune compromised. (Information from Mike Rizzo at the LA Gay and Lesbian Center)