Levels of methamphetamine use and addiction among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

Methamphetamine (MA) and poly-drug use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) may be linked to risky sexual behaviors and the subsequent transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus. The goal of this analysis was to examine, quantify, and describe lifetime use of MA as well as MA use in the past year in relation to other substances by means of a standardized diagnostic tool, and along key socio-demographic variables. Data for this analysis were gathered from the screening assessment of a larger cross-sectional study examining MA use and psychosocial states in a sample of 215 MSM in New York City. Based on criteria set forth by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory, clinical dependence to MA was shown in 78% of participants. Of this group, over 70% were codependent on other substances, including cocaine and Ecstasy. Further, 95% of Black MSM reported MA use in the past year, of which 97% were classified as dependent. These findings suggest that MA continues to be used at significant rates among MSM and often in conjunction with other substances, and is increasingly used and abused by ethnic and racial minority MSM. Findings suggest the need for programs to address multiple drug dependence and in relation to co-occurring health problems.