Meth Help

The correlation between HIV and meth is becoming more closely related than ever before. HIV and methamphetamine users often go together with the number of those meth users becoming more likely to contract HIV. Several reasons exist for the HIV and meth trend.

Those who use methamphetamines are also likely to be at risk for contracting the human immunodeficiency virus based on new evidence from researchers finding a correlation between gay males with HIV also using meth. Researchers are finding evidence for this because the number of gay men using crystal meth is expanding. Unfortunately when a person is inebriated, they're behavior is likely to change and become riskier with their sexual behaviors. This may include not using protection or choosing partners they are unsure if are infected with HIV or other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or not. 

The link between HIV and Meth:

According to a health benefit released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, recent studies show meth use may increase the likelihood of unsafe sexual practices and raise the possibility of HIV and STD infection rates among men who have sex with other men. The possible reason for this is because the of psychological damage meth causes its users, the user is more likely to act on compulsive sexual behaviors that are likely to increase the spread of HIV and other STDs. 

Researchers and health care professionals around the world are becoming more concerned than ever about the link between HIV and meth. Because meth is considered to be one of the most addictive illegal substances around, it is no wonder the drug can easily alter the sexual behaviors of its users. This behavior is likely to potentially become even more serious and more of a widespread problem among meth users and those who are already infected with HIV. Meth users are already some of the most difficult drug users to treat based on the ingredients in meth that are found to be so harmful yet addictive. Meth use goes hand-in-hand with cravings, loss of control, physical dependence and tolerance. This leads users needing to use even more of the drug in order to achieve the same level of high. 

Meth Statistics involving HIV and meth show that those who use meth are:

• More likely to have unprotected receptive anal sex
• More likely to have sex, unprotected and with multiple partners
• More likely to have anonymous or unknown sexual partners
• More likely to already be infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and hepatitis.
• Less likely to use condoms, or to use the condoms properly

These studies are supported with various points of evidence especially based on behaviors that are likely to occur during sex while under the influence of meth. Users are more likely to engage in rough sex because meth deadens pain receptors. The rough sex increases the sensations experienced during sex under the influence of meth. Because of the rough behaviors, users are more likely to end up with scratches, sores, abrasions and other open wounds. The transmission of the blood from these wounds makes it incredibly dangerous of transmitted a disease like HIV. There is also a connection between HIV and meth for those who are already infected with HIV. Those who use meth, but have HIV are less likely to use their medications. Meth also has the potential to suppress immune system responses with HIV or other infections. Meth may cause dangerous interactions with HIV medications because of the wide variety of harmful ingredients that make up meth. Meth use may also increase HIV viral activity and could accelerate HIV-related dementia and other health issues. 

The best way to stop this increasing trend of HIV and meth use is to act on prevention. The biggest reason for these behaviors is because meth users or those who engage in such risky sexual behaviors might not understand the high risk they are in fact taking. The best way to stop this is through meth prevention, and prevention occurs through education. It is important to understand that unprotected sex of any kind between males and females is dangerous. The use of meth and unprotected sex only amplifies that risk of transmitting an STD or HIV. This is why it is important for anyone to engage only in safe sex and to stay away from drugs like meth and other substances that can impair one's judgment. Keep these facts in mind when choosing to participate in such dangerous behaviors. Spread the word to others you know that may be at risk.

Sources: nyc.gov, thebody.com