GAY MEN & CRYSTAL METH

Let's face it. There's a problem, and we all need to deal with it. By chemically blocking inhibitions, it leads many to take sexual risks, resulting in more infections of HIV, syphilis and other diseases. We are seeing this play out in our own community.

We've watched as Meth has worked its way into our lives as an “innocent” party drug and then established itself as a serious threat to our health and prosperity. We've seen it cripple our friends and loved ones, destroy the lives of our youth and mentors, and corrode the spiritual fabric of our community.

Bottom line, meth is hurting gay men. How can we stand by and do nothing?

We know that the failed approaches of our nation's “war on drugs” won't help. Addiction cannot be legislated away, and law enforcement is not the answer.

We know that treatment can work. Meth is highly addictive, and recovery is often difficult. While many will struggle, there is a growing army of gay men who have gotten off meth.

And most importantly, we know that love works. Yeah, that might sound corny to some. But love is what motivated gay men to care for one another when the AIDS epidemic hit 25 years ago. Love is what brought us together to fight America's silence and apathy. Love made us insist on safe sex, dramatically reducing new HIV infections.

Love supports without judgment. It challenges self-destruction. It strengthens community.

And today, love is why one gay man will help another gay man quit using crystal meth.

So, here's what we're going to do.

We will take responsibility for our lives and for the health of our community. We will make informed choices about sex and partying, and urge our friends and lovers to do the same.

We will not be silent. We will talk to other gay men about the dangers of crystal meth. We will create honest prevention campaigns so that every gay man knows the real risks of meth use.

We will show compassion for those who are addicted. Meth is the problem, not those in its grasp. Addicts need treatment, not stigma. And if they're in denial, they need to be challenged by those who love them.

We will fight for more money for drug treatment. We will advocate for treatment programs tailored to the needs of gay men.

And finally, we won't let crystal meth destroy another generation of gay men.

We will continue fighting the hatred that seeks to diminish our self-worth, our sexuality, and our relationships. We will continue to create and strengthen our political groups, our churches, our sports teams, our social clubs, and our families. We will lead by example, as we have done before.

To sign onto the manifesto please call (508) 487-8311.

(The Manifesto was developed by and adapted from
the Crystal Meth Working Group in New York City)

For resources please call:
AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod
Prevention & Aducatiion
508-487-8311
(Crystal Meth Anonymous, Provincetown Needle Exchange, Rapid HIV Testing, STD Screenings, Hepatitis Screening and Vaccines).

© 2008 AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod