Use of the drug Crystal Meth is increasing among young gay men.
Do you know the facts?

As a report from the Association of Chief Police Officers predicts a rise in the number of people taking methamphetamine – also known as Crystal Meth – we separate the fact from the fiction to bring you a no-nonsense guide to the drug that many predict will become as popular as Coke. And we’re not talking about the soft drink.

Forget what those sensationalist skivers in the press say; Crystal Meth is no new problem. Amphetamine was first synthesised in 1887 and its related compound Methamphetamine was synthesised in Japan about 30 years later. So ignore those scaremongers who say it’s a terrifying new problem; it’s not. People have been taking speed, crank, ice, and Tina or Crystal Meth way before we were even born.

So what is Crystal Meth? Well, it’s a stimulant – just like coffee or chocolate – but a lot more dangerous. Psychology buffs among you will know all about the fight or flight response; when our body changes and responds to suit the situation we’re in. When we take “uppers” like Crystal Meth our body responds as if we’re ready to run a marathon. Our heart rate goes up, blood pressure increases and we start talking a load of rubbish. But things start to decrease as well. We often lose our hunger and our desire to sleep – which might seem great if you’re on a diet and want to stay up all night, but it’s pretty dangerous really. Let’s face it; without food and sleep we’re fucked.

Despite what the papers are saying there are no signs of an immediate Crystal Meth crisis. However, research suggests that around 20% of gay men have tried the drug at some point in their life, and gay men who use the drug are between two and three times more likely to have unsafe sex than those who don’t. So while it may not be about to take the nation by storm as some have predicted, it’s still well worth swotting up on it in case you find yourself in a speedy situation anytime soon.

Ok, so we’ve told you how awful it is – but let’s be honest, there must be some good points to topping up on Tina, or people wouldn’t be doing it.

Crystal Meth gives you a similar high to crack cocaine, but the effects are longer lasting and much more damaging. Most people who smoke or inject a slice of ice reap the benefits of being able to dance all night, shag for days on end and lose their inhibitions.

The benefits are far outweighed by the risks. Do you really want to end up looking as wrinkly as a pensioner while you’re still in your teens? Thought not. How about catching HIV through unprotected sex and non-stop sex marathons? No, didn’t think so. Of course there’s always constipation or diarrhea up for grabs? Oh that’s a surprise, you don’t want that either!