Meth Addiction in Florida is Heavy Amongst the LGBTQ Community

It’s no secret that the state of Florida has always had a serious issue with drugs especially meth addiction in the LGBTQ community. Methamphetamine, or more commonly known as ‘meth’, has increasingly become an ongoing problem within the rural and urban counties across the state, whether it’s an increase in meth production or overdose cases.

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant and the most popular drug for gay and transgender people. This is due to its ability to increase levels of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine aka – the chemicals in our brains that make us feel happy. However, when taken for a long time, it can lead to some serious physical and mental health issues.

As an LGBT rehab in Florida, we’ve seen first-hand how meth addiction has affected our gay and transgender community. We’ll go through the issue’s methamphetamine has created in the state of Florida and within our own community.

METH ADDICTION IN FLORIDA

In a study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1.6 million people in America have reported using methamphetamine in the year 2017. While methamphetamine has become widely accessible across the United States, Florida is one of the five states with the highest number of meth overdoses. High numbers of meth use are found in rural counties. Over the years has become more widely available in suburban and metropolitan areas as well.

METH ADDICTION IN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY 

Within the LGBTQ community, meth has grown to be a common substance to use in both social and private settings. Meth use within the LGBTQ community is often used by gay, bisexual cisgender men and trans women. The stimulant is often first used as a party drug to help increase a user’s experience and intensify their mood. Meth is also one of the most commonly used drugs for chemsex, a sexual act that involves mixing sexual practices with a substance. Because of its euphoric properties, members of the LGBTQ community are likely to become dependent on the drug as a way to self-medicate. They feel meth reduces their symptoms of depression and other mental health issues linked to societal trauma from growing as a sexual and gender minority.

How has the spike of new HIV infections affected younger gay men?

The spike of new HIV infections has had a significant impact on younger gay men, particularly those in the under-40 age group in Florida. Among gay men between the ages of 17 and 29, the risk of acquiring HIV is pronounced, especially when combined with crystal meth addiction. For individuals who are HIV negative, crystal meth use increases their vulnerability to contracting the virus, potentially accelerating the progression to AIDS. Moreover, for those within the gay community who are already living with HIV, using crystal meth can exacerbate the physical and mental health effects of the virus, leading to conditions such as weight loss, muscle deterioration, and AIDS dementia. The risks associated with crystal meth use and HIV infection present serious challenges for the health and well-being of younger gay men, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support services to address these complex issues.

Why is IV meth use on the rise among gay men?

The increase in intravenous (IV) methamphetamine use among gay men can be attributed to the intense rush or high that users experience from injecting the drug, a practice known as ‘slamming.’ This phenomenon is particularly prevalent at sex parties, where the allure of heightened pleasure and arousal is appealing to many individuals. Research indicates a notable surge in the number of gay men choosing to inject meth, with statistics showing a significant rise in the prevalence of this behavior between 2011 and 2013. The trend of injecting meth, especially in the context of sexual encounters, has grown substantially, prompting concerns from experts about the rapid escalation in the number of gay men turning to this method of drug consumption.

How can sex without meth feel for gay men in recovery?

For gay men in recovery, experiencing sex without meth can feel like a significant shift with both challenges and opportunities. Once in recovery, many individuals may grapple with the realization that sober sex is vastly different from sex under the influence of meth. This shift can bring about a range of emotions as they come to terms with the changes in their sexual performance and experiences. Some may find this transition challenging, experiencing a sense of loss as they navigate the differences between sober sex and meth-fueled encounters. Despite the initial challenges, the journey towards sexual experiences devoid of meth can also be seen as a chance for personal growth, deeper connections, and a more authentic expression of their sexuality. Embracing sober sex can ultimately lead to a healthier and more fulfilling sexual life for gay men in recovery.

Solutions to treating Meth Addiction 

Treating an addiction to Meth can be challenging, especially if the user is unwilling to seek treatment. The best way to approach treating meth addiction is to seek professional help. When a LGBT person develops an addiction to meth, specialized treatment is needed. This is to help address their unique set of trauma, caused by the oppression and discrimination within a comp het/cis society.

What are the different levels of addiction treatment care available for crystal meth rehabilitation?

When seeking treatment for crystal meth addiction, individuals have access to various levels of care designed to address their specific needs and circumstances. These levels of addiction treatment care include:

1. **Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation:** This type of treatment involves staying at a facility for a specified period, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. Inpatient programs provide structured care, counseling, medical supervision, and a supportive environment for individuals to focus on recovery. We recommend Q Space Detox in South Florida for crystal meth inpatient residential treatment rehabilitation.

2. **Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation:** Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive care while living at home and continuing with their daily responsibilities. It involves scheduled appointments for therapy, medication management, and other services to support recovery.

3. **Detox Programs:** Detoxification programs are available in different formats, such as 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day programs, to assist individuals in safely managing withdrawal symptoms and eliminating the substance from their bodies. These programs are often the first step in the treatment process.

4. **Sober Living Housing:** Sober living houses provide a supportive and drug-free living environment for individuals in recovery. Residents follow house rules, participate in group activities, and receive peer support to transition from treatment to independent living successfully. We offer sober living for the the LGBTQ community at Inspire Recovery.

5. **Aftercare Programs:** Aftercare programs offer ongoing support and guidance to individuals after completing formal treatment. These programs may include counseling, support groups, relapse prevention strategies, and resources to help individuals maintain their recovery in the long term.

Why Inspire Recovery for Meth Substance Use Treatment?

At Inspire Recovery, our LGBT affirming staff are educated to understand the gay and transgender experience with addiction. We help accommodate your needs as you go through recovery. Our programs allow you to freely express your gender identity and sexual orientation in a safe and validating space.

For more information on treating meth addiction in Florida, you can contact one of our queer and trans-friendly staff members for a free consultation.