Meth also impacts the brain’s levels of serotonin, which regulates mood, appetite, and memory. When someone becomes addicted to meth, the natural production of dopamine becomes dependent on the drug’s presence in the system. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation, meaning crystal meth gives users a euphoric rush. What makes meth so addictive are its effects on the brain’s “feel good” chemical: dopamine. The drug is known for taking sex to the next level (which is why it’s largely the drug of choice in PnP settings), to the extent that once someone has had sex while on crystal meth, sober sex may have lost its appeal entirely. Read More: Why Is Depression Higher in the LGBTQ Community? What Makes Meth So AddictiveĮven for those who may not be psychologically susceptible to the effects of crystal meth, the physical effects can be highly addictive. It is also highly addictive, and can rapidly shift from a once-in-a-while party drug to a life-altering habit.Ī study entitled “Crystal Methamphetamine and Sexual Sociality in an Urban Gay Subculture: an Elective Affinity,” found that, “because methamphetamine is associated with increased self-esteem, increased libido, greater sexual endurance, diminished sexual inhibition, and a higher threshold for pain, the drug is used strategically by gay and bisexual men to negotiate sexual sociality and increase sexual pleasure.” Because gay men have been historically marginalized, gay sex acts can elicit feelings of internalized homophobia - which makes a drug that decreases inhibitions understandably appealing. Meth is commonly used in Party and Play (PnP) culture, not just for its effects, but also because of its reasonable price and considerable longevity - depending on one’s tolerance, a meth high can last over nine hours. As drug overdoses throughout the country - and particularly in New York City - continue to rise, the factors driving these disparities are overdue for examination.
Gay men are four times more likely to use meth than straight men, and over 12 times more likely to consume amphetamines compared to men who do not have same-sex relationships. The number of overdoses each year continues to rise - and gay men are particularly at risk.