Gay drug addiction is alarming for many reasons not the least of which is the relationship between gay drug addiction and HIV/AIDS. Gay drug addiction is a double-whammy when it comes to AIDS according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. For the last few years over 50% of new HIV and AIDS cases have been spread by injecting drug users and not just gay drug addiction but all injecting drug users. In fact although homosexual men are the highest estimated group of HIV positive, new cases of HIV have actually gone down while new cases for injecting drug users have gone up making gay drug addiction a very risky category. Gay drug addiction does not only effect intravenous drug users but all drugs that lower inhibition and contribute to unsafe choices and behaviors.

Nearly all drugs affect the mind and body. Anabolic steroids is one of the few drugs that is injected that has no intoxicating effects but is harmful to the body including hypertension, acne, reduced sperm count, smaller testicles, breast enlargement in males and masculine characteristics in females such as facial hair and menstruation problems. Steroids have become an increasing drug of choice in this country and some say it is included in gay drug addiction for those individuals who are obsessed with their body and its appearance.

Most drug addicts however have problems with street and pharmaceutical drugs that have a tremendous impact on their thinking and behavior. Stimulants, opioids, depressants, hallucinogens and dissociative anesthetics all have a physical impact on normal brain function and can alter processes and change behavior patterns.

Gay drug addiction has always included the party drugs cocaine and methamphetamine. These drugs as well as MDMA are all highly addicting and can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure which contributes to heart failure and strokes. Difficulty breathing, weight loss and neurological damage that cause learning and memory problems are also consequences of stimulant use.

Opioids such as heroin, opium and codeine by prescription are most commonly injected and very dangerous in the gay drug addiction community. These drugs slow down the bodies functions as opposed to the stimulants. Slowed breathing, vomiting, confusion and unconsciousness are all side-effects of using opioids.

Depressants use can often start with a doctors prescription. Xanax, Valium, Seconal are all brand name depressants that are prescribed to reduce pain and lower anxiety. Their street name equivalents are barbs, reds, yellow jackets, downers and we are seeing an increase in use of roofies, ghb, and ecstasy. Similar to opioids, these drugs slow the body and mind down and chronic use can cause confusion, sedation, impaired coordination and judgment.

Other drugs such as LSD, Special K, mescaline and PCP all have tremendous effects on the mind and body, altering states of perception and can cause delirium, depression and flashbacks.

If you or a loved one is in the grips of drug addiction to any of the drugs named above please do not hesitate in calling Spencer Recovery Centers. We are one of the few rehabilitation centers in the country that have separate facilities and meetings for our gay cliental to address their special needs and issues.