Crystal

Tags: gonorrhea syphilis hiv gay

Also known as: Crystal Meth, Methamphetamine, Tina. Pronunciation: meth-am-fet-ahmeen

"The first time a friend gave me some crystal I thought it would be just like coke. Two days later, when I still couldn't sleep, and had had so much sex that I couldn't walk straight, it was obvious that it's a whole different thing. I find that crystal makes most people feel invincible and gives them tons of energy. It also makes you really horny and heightens sexual sensations, so it's a great 'sex drug'. The down side is that, like most things, you don't get nothing for free. A big Saturday night with Miss Tina (crystal) is usually followed by what is affectionately known as "Suicide Tuesday." It's also the most addictive thing I've ever run across, and I've had a few friends really fuck up their lives because of it. So I treat it with respect -- actually, with fear."

 

Crystal in powder form is most commonly snorted in small doses ("bumps"). Some say the drug heightens arousal and increases sexual stamina by delaying orgasm, but impotence is just as common a side effect. Crystal produces what people describe as a giddy and euphoric wakefulness that can last several hours. Maintaining that high requires frequent re-dosing, more bumps, lines or tokes and makes crystal's potential for abuse -- even among new users -- very high.

What is it really?

The rush users feel comes from crystals' affect on brain chemistry. It blocks the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter, dopamine, by nerve cells. The Chemically, methamphetamines are closely related to amphetamines, but their impact on your central nervous system is more acute. Methamphetamines bear a close resemblance to two powerful chemicals in your body, dopamine and norepinephrine. These drugs affect several areas of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, which regulates mood; the prefrontal cortex, which plays a critical role in functional memory; and the striatum, an area of your brain involved in movement.

What is it's appeal?

It's cheap, and a little goes a long way -- the high lasts much longer than cocaine. It can make you feel giddy, euphoric and confident. When it comes time to fuck, you can go all night, and then some.

"Crystal methamphetamine is described as the hyper-sexual drug," says Perry Halkitis, M.S., Ph.D, professor at New York University, and co-director of the Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST). "It makes you horny."

But like all drugs -- and erections -- what goes up, must come down.

How is it used?

Methamphetamine can be swallowed in pill form, snorted as a powder, injected into your bloodstream, or smoked. Methamphetamine is neurotoxic. If you ingest it, the rush you experience comes from the forced release of serotonin and dopamine in your brain. Some users report that they feel "normal" or even "superhuman" after losing a night or two of sleep because of the drug. There may also be a feeling of being sharp or in control, feeling confident of being able to pass at work, or fool family members. While enjoyable, this confidence is misplaced, certainly artificial and, of course, temporary.

Wanting to prolong the high and delay the inevitable crash another hour, another evening or another day -- is emblematic of the drug's addictive character. Depriving your body of sleep exacerbates the chemical impact of the drug on your brain. You become irritable, anxious, afraid, confused, aggressive and you may even experience bouts of delusional paranoia. In other words, you become a pleasure to be with.

What are the side effects?

The short term consequences of cocaine use include depression (sometimes severe), anxiety, irritability, isolation, tremors, lethargy, fatigue, nightmares, headache, sweating, muscle and stomach cramps. The medical complications associated with cocaine use are enormous. Some of the most frequent complications are cardiovascular effects, including disturbances in heart rhythm and heart attacks. Cocaine use has been linked to many types of heart disease.

Cocaine has been found to trigger chaotic heart rhythms, called ventricular fibrillation; accelerate heartbeat and breathing; and increase blood pressure and body temperature. Physical symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, blurred vision, fever, muscle spasms, convulsions and coma. Other complications include respiratory effects such as chest pain and respiratory failure; neurological effects, including strokes, seizure, and headaches; and gastrointestinal complications, including abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting.

Physiological impact

Methamphetamine carries a high potential for abuse and dependence and the health consequences associated with prolonged use are serious. The March 2001 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, found that meth use depletes the brain of dopamine transporters, which allow dopamine -- a brain chemical that affects feelings of satisfaction and pleasure -- to be absorbed back into the nerve cells that produce it. The depletion of these transporters may make meth users more susceptible to Parkinson's Disease, a brain disorder associated with dopamine deficiency and characterized by shaking and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.

More immediate methamphetamine dangers include a sharp spike in blood pressure, dangerously irregular heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The drug can increase body temperature to critical levels, provoking cascading failures in vital systems. Brain hemorrhage is perhaps the biggest risk associated with use and abuse of the drug, which if not fatal, can cause permanent paralysis and speech loss.

You may think that recreational or occasional use can be handled and, perhaps in your case it can, but realize that no one who is physically addicted to or dependent on methamphetamine set out to get hooked.

Given the drug's powerful impact on the sex drives of male users, Crystal meth is one of the most dangerous drugs in terms of its tendency to override making rational choices such as protecting yourself and your partner from the transmission of STDs, including HIV.

STD/HIV impact

The use of crystal methamphetamine is one of several factors that may be fueling increases in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among gay and bisexual men in the United States, according to new research presented at the 2004 National STD Prevention Conference. One day following the release of preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing the third consecutive year of increases in syphilis cases in 2003, findings presented provide crucial insight into the factors behind increasing STD diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Three studies indicate that crystal methamphetamine (crystal) use is associated with high-risk behavior and infection with STDs, including HIV, among MSM in San Francisco. A CDC study of 388 MSM found that 16 percent used the drug the last time they had anal sex. Crystal users in that study were twice as likely as non-users to engage in unprotected receptive anal intercourse.

Researchers at the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) found that MSM who used crystal and Viagra together were 6.1 times more likely to be diagnosed with syphilis than those who did not use either drug. In another study from SFDPH, researchers found that 17.4 percent of 1,263 MSM who attended the city's public STD clinic had used crystal in the four weeks before their visit. Those who used the drug were more than twice as likely as non-users to be HIV infected, 4.9 times as likely to be diagnosed with syphilis, and 1.7 times as likely to test positive for gonorrhea.

"The increased threat of syphilis and other STDs among gay and bisexual men is being driven in part by a troubling combination of drug use and complacency," said Dr. Ronald O. Valdiserri, deputy director of the HIV, STD and TB prevention programs at CDC, one of the conference's sponsors. "Efforts to reduce the impact of STDs among gay and bisexual men must address these underlying factors."

As HIV rates continue to climb among gay and bisexual men, studies point to a clear connection between crystal, unsafe sex, and HIV risk. While high, you might be more likely to bareback, have multiple sex partners, have rougher, more aggressive sex, and bottom -- all risky behaviors.

Being HIV positive and meth use

Crystal is ranked among the most popular drugs among HIV-positive men in several cities including New York, Miami, and San Francisco. While mainstream communities are finding a spike in addiction, gay and bisexual men are hit with a double whammy -- an increase in addiction and HIV.

"Crystal can suppress the part of your immune system that is responsible for actually blocking HIV," says Antonio Urbina, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College.

For HIV-positive men, there are potentially fatal drug interactions between crystal and protease inhibitors, especially Norvir, says Dr. Urbina. Because Norvir and crystal share a common pathway, crystal may be three to ten times more potent in people taking Norvir.

This is not a reason to stop taking your HIV medications, which will only increase the likelihood that you will develop resistance to medications. While Dr. Urbina says abstinence is the only way to go with crystal, if you can't stop at this moment, strongly consider doing a much smaller amount. The combination, however, can be deadly.

"We may also see more HIV-associated dementia for men with HIV," Dr. Urbina says.

Crystal and HIV have overlapping toxicity, that may cause irreversible damage to the brain.

Methemphatamine may actually increase viral replication in the brain, says Dr. Halkitis, who has worked on several studies regarding club drugs and HIV. "Also, a lot of men with HIV who are using meth, are not adhering to medication regimens." This puts HIV-negative men at greater risk for catching a drug resistant strain of the virus.

Eat, drink, sleep

Partying with drugs isn't easy. Those harsh speed chemicals and sleepless weekends can really do a number on your body - and your mind. Your body and brain need the proper amount of food, water, and sleep to minimize the damage caused by drug use. And to recover when the party's over!

There's another benefit, too. Many users say they have more enjoyable highs and less paranoia when they eat, drink enough water, and get some sleep. Eating, drinking, and sleeping can make the crash a lot easier, too. Taking care of your body can -- and should -- become a regular part of getting high. It's easier than you may think!

Rule #1 EAT

  • Even if you're not hungry! Your body needs all the fuel it can get.
  • Stock your fridge or your backpack BEFORE you get high. Your favorite foods will be more appealing, so keep plenty around.
  • Small, frequent snacks may be easier than eating just one larger meal.
  • If eating while high is difficult, then at least eat well before you get high. Be sure to eat when coming down, too.
  • Even though you will probably crave it, resist the urge to binge on sugar! Foods like cookies, pastries, or candy bars can cause mood swings and increase drug cravings. They can also send your blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster ride! Instead, eat more protein. High-protein foods have more nutrients and will give you energy that lasts longer than a quick sugar boost.
  • Triple grande mochas with extra whipped cream are NOT food! Despite the small amount of milk and some calories, lattes and mochas offer little nutrition. The sugar and caffeine aren't helpful either. If you must have coffee, stick to decaf with no chocolate or flavorings.
Any food is better than no food. But some foods are better than others:
Good foods:Not-so-good foods:
burgers
sandwiches
yogurt
cheese
milk
pizza
burritos
protein or sports bars
fruits
veggies
cookies
pastries
candy bars
white bread products
lattes and mochas
ice cream
milkshakes


What about vitamins and nutritional supplements?
Regular drug use can deplete your body of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This can cause changes in metabolism, brain chemistry, and normal body functions. Taking a good multi-vitamin can help, but it can't replace actual food, water, or sleep. Talk to your doctor, nutritionist, naturopath, or reputable health food store professional about the right type and dose of multi-vitamin for you. Nutritional supplements like Ensure, Boost, or instant breakfast drinks are great ways to get quick nutrition and hydrate at the same time. Most don't need to be refrigerated, so they're easy to carry. Nutrition or protein bars are handy too!

Rule #2 DRINK WATER

Your body needs water to handle the stress of crystal and being high. Without enough water, your crash will be harder than normal. When you're high, your kidneys need more water to process the drugs from your body. How much should you drink? At least 8 glasses a day and more when you're high! How much you drink is just as important as what you drink. Alcoholic drinks actually cause you to lose more fluid than you gain. Drinks with caffeine or lots of sugar may quench your thirst, but they don't hydrate your body.

Drink More :Avoid or Drink Less:
water - bottled flavored, tonic, whatever

fruit juice - 100% juice, not "juice drinks"

gatorade or sports drinks		coffee or tea
soda pop
flavored iced teas
alcohol
beer

Getting the hydration you need:
  • Make a "water plan." Stock your fridge with healthy beverages before you get high.
  • Carry a water bottle with you.
  • Order tonic water or juice at a club instead of alcohol.
  • Suck on ice chips.
  • Drink BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER your high.

 

Do I need more water? YES, if:

  1. Your urine is dark yellow -or
  2. You have cotton mouth -or
  3. You pinch the skin on the back of your hand and it doesn't snap back.


If you are HIV-positive:
Some HIV medications require you to drink extra water or stick to certain meal plans. Not drinking enough water can have painful results - like kidney stones! If you're taking these medications AND getting high, you'll need to be extra careful about your food and water intake. Let your doctor know that you are using drugs and ask questions about the meds you are taking.

Rule #3 GET SOME SLEEP

Do you see strange things, hear voices, or have paranoia when you're high? It could be from sleep deprivation. You may be able to avoid or lessen a lot of weird "tweak behavior" with just a few hours of sleep. A simple nap can help keep your mind more focused and your thinking clearer. Tips for sleep:

  • Don't stay up longer than 2-3 days. Know how much crystal is "too much."
  • Take some "down time" during your high to relax and be quiet from constant activity. This may take some "training" until it becomes a habit.
  • Sometimes short catnaps can take the rough edges off a high.
  • Do you have a place to sleep when you need to? If your own home isn't an option, what about a friend's place?
  • Don't mix downers with speed!!! Using heroin, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers to come down can cause serious, even fatal, effects on your heart and blood pressure