Meth

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by GarboSpeaks!

I was into this stuff for a good short while. Granted it's been a good, LONGER while since I've had any, but I had a blast. This is NOT TO CONDONE it, just I never got the "addiction" aspect of anything, much less meth. In highschool, I was friggin Barb Bush, "just saying no" to anything. Cigs, booze, ANYTHING. Then at about 18 I started hanging w/ people that did a variety of things. Then to turn 21, I moved to SF. That's where things went weird. Friends started giving my "black beauties" (legal meth) and then it just escalated. I was so frightenend. I though OMG, I'd NEVER do hard stuff. And hard stuff to me was coke, needles, etc. I'll neither confirm nor deny how far I got into the life, but I will say when party time was over, it was over. And it was that simple. I just literally got tired of it.
I'm not being snarky, holier than thou, nothing, it's just that's how it happened for me. I saw few people in my "group" of non-friends (quit the shiite....loose a butt load of people you know) declining, but maybe that's cause i stopped when I did. Meth users who were whack beyond recognition, were also into many other drugs, so I couldn't pin meth as being the culprit. AGAIN, NOT to say that plenty of people don't die or have long term issues w/ the stuff. It breaks my heart, but as an addictive drug, I just don't get it. I think it's more addictive personalities, and trust me, I come from a long line of addictive personalities. Reading this slays me, cause I didn't realize it really did take so many good people away. Chances are I'd be dismayed to find out that not to many of those "friends" I once had didn't make it, but I am both grateful to have come out of this unscathed, and NOT to have seen someone I cared about loose their life to it My thoughts are w/ those that have had these horrible events happen. I hope any other readers seeing this that maybe are in this place find enlightment from all posts. There is party time/experiment/get a little reckless, then there is WAKE UP...STOP, you are hurting yourself and those around you!

Well stated Anita.

[BombaySapphire3]

The thing that bewilders me is how widespread meth is now and how in the hell did it metamorphasize from being a trucker drug and kind of the poor white person's crack into something that is now seemingly hip to do among circuit boys and executives?I had tried it when much younger and hated it .It could be because I'm ADHD and it did not mix well with that .A nice glass of bourbon on the rocks was my drug of choice and still is albeit in much .much smaller quantities than back in the day.The use of this drug stupidly referred to as tina as if to make silly and lessen the impact of it's horrific effects is causing an uptick in unsafe sex practices around here as if the holocaust of the 1980s and early 90s never happened .I hate to even go to clubs much anymore since it seems that half the guys in them are on it.I don't mean to come off as judgemental but it is making me very angry at this point.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

The thing that bewilders me is how widespread meth is now and how in the hell did it metamorphasize from being a trucker drug and kind of the poor white person's crack into something that is now seemingly hip to do among circuit boys and executives?I had tried it when much younger and hated it .It could be because I'm ADHD and it did not mix well with that .A nice glass of bourbon on the rocks was my drug of choice and still is albeit in much .much smaller quantities than back in the day.The use of this drug stupidly referred to as tina as if to make silly and lessen the impact of it's horrific effects is causing an uptick in unsafe sex practices around here as if the holocaust of the 1980s and early 90s never happened .I hate to even go to clubs much anymore since it seems that half the guys in them are on it.I don't mean to come off as judgemental but it is making me very angry at this point.

Yes, it is a huge problem, particularly around fueling increase in HIV infections. I guess I'd say that there is nothing new or different about drug use in the gay community. Studies show that higher percentages of gay men use drugs than straight men.

Unfortunately, a very cheap and very potent form of meth made its way into the scene that gives a fierce sexual charge, makes people good about themselves temporarily, lowers inhibitions, etc. A lot people who have been living with HIV for a long time do it because it gives them some energy. Add in peer pressure and the unhealthy fascination with youth in the gay "community". All of this I've heard firsthand from the guys in my recovery program.

A tremendous problem, especially in SF and other major urban areas. And one that no one seems to have any good answers or ideas.

[BombaySapphire3]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Yes, it is a huge problem, particularly around fueling increase in HIV infections. I guess I'd say that there is nothing new or different about drug use in the gay community. Studies show that higher percentages of gay men use drugs than straight men.

Unfortunately, a very cheap and very potent form of meth made its way into the scene that gives a fierce sexual charge, makes people good about themselves temporarily, lowers inhibitions, etc. A lot people who have been living with HIV for a long time do it because it gives them some energy. Add in peer pressure and the unhealthy fascination with youth in the gay "community". All of this I've heard firsthand from the guys in my recovery program.

I somehow missed out on the sexual charge part when I tried it , in fact it had quite the opposite effect.Maybe the usual pardoxical effect speed has on people with ADHD ie. Ritalin?Yeah I agree with the preoccupation with youth phenomenon but I don't see how this helps with that since most of the guys my age (over 40 ) that use it to excess look like a rode hard and put up wet 50.I just pray that it loses it's allure and soon but then again who knows what else might come along...

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

Yeah I agree with the preoccupation with youth phenomenon but I don't see how this helps with that since most of the guys my age (over 40 ) that use it to excess look like a rode hard and put up wet 50.I just pray that it looses it's allure and soon but then again who knows what else might come along...

It doesn't help at all, and you're right it's quite the opposite, but it tricks your mind.

[skcin]

I just wanted to thank Ryan for telling his story. I think it helps people to read that it really can be a casual thing for many years, but that doesn't mean it will never become a problem - just the opposite, it most likely WILL become a problem.

You're a very strong person and I'm proud of you.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by skcin

Back in the early 90's, you could only get meth in bigger cities. Thank God for that, because the main reason my husband had to stop doing it is that he couldn't get it here. In the Navy (he was stationed in San Diego) they all did it to stay awake when they were on watch. DO NOT get me started on the military - it seems like everyone's on drugs & nobody thinks this is a problem. Anyway, when he got out, he didn't need to stay up all night anymore, but I'm sure he would have kept using anyway had he been able to get some meth. He hasn't touched it in 12 years.

I've never done anything heavier than pot, drugs scare the **** out of me. And I don't smoke pot anymore because I don't like it anymore. The last 2 times I got high I got sick. So screw that. If I want to get sick, I'll drink too much. Cheaper & legal.

Um, I dont know about your neck of the woods but meth/crank has been around since at least the 70's. I grew up in the Bay Area and it was around all over (Im talking the ENTIRE 70's) in my mid 20's I moved to the Chico/Paradise area and it was there too. In CA, as far as I know, because its so easy to make/buy, its been everywhere....

I dont use, never have. dont like pot (HATE it in fact) so I didnt go down the tubes like a majority of my friends did...I just thank GAWD that I escaped the sad cycle I see so many people on....its truly tragic...

[David]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

I've personally seen this drug ruin 3 of my friends lives, and my boyfriend Derek used to be in treatment for it. I told him when I met him if I ever caught him using it again, I was outta there. Thankfully he's kept himself clean ever since. This drug is just a terrible plague on soceity, and I hope anyone that has a problem with it can get the help they need.

Well, I'm on meth now. I keep it under control, but sometimes I feel it all spiraling into the maelstrom. But it helps me stay creative & I need my creativity.

[skcin]

Irishgrl - I'm aware that it's been around. But it seems that everything starts in Cali & NYC, then trickles inward to the rest of the U.S. Buffalo's not exactly a happenin' place, in case you haven't heard.

I'd never heard of it growing up, but I knew all about pot, amphetamines (pill form), coke, heroin, shrooms, acid, etc. I think even E made it here before meth did.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by skcin

I just wanted to thank Ryan for telling his story. I think it helps people to read that it really can be a casual thing for many years, but that doesn't mean it will never become a problem - just the opposite, it most likely WILL become a problem.

You're a very strong person and I'm proud of you.

Thank you. I actually woke up this morning thinking my god why did I post such a long personal story. But I'm fairly anonymous and I thought I could explain a few things that people seemed to be curious about.

[David]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

And you asked what it's biggest attraction was to me. It is simply that for several hours after doing it I felt happier than normal, more attractive than normal, and more outgoing than normal. It's all a facade. Now I'm content with finding happiness naturally.

Congratulations, ryan, on conquering that demon, on winning that battle with the dragon.

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by David

Well, I'm on meth now. I keep it under control, but sometimes I feel it all spiraling into the maelstrom. But it helps me stay creative & I need my creativity.

Ah, the last piece of the puzzle.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by skcin

Irishgrl - I'm aware that it's been around. But it seems that everything starts in Cali & NYC, then trickles inward to the rest of the U.S. Buffalo's not exactly a happenin' place, in case you haven't heard.

I'd never heard of it growing up, but I knew all about pot, amphetamines (pill form), coke, heroin, shrooms, acid, etc. I think even E made it here before meth did.

Buffalo's not a happenin' place? *GASP!*

We in the Bay had a veritable buffet of recreational goodies to play with. gag. I guess its good that you lived in a place that didnt have crank because all I can say is that stuff is insidious.

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Thank you. I actually woke up this morning thinking my god why did I post such a long personal story. But I'm fairly anonymous and I thought I could explain a few things that people seemed to be curious about.

I'm certainly glad tou did.

[foxyluva]

I have friends who do this sort of thing. Some of it is ridiculous - like they do this gas (I can't remember what it is called) that is in balloons and get high off that How stupid can you be

Im a bit of a prude - I don't smoke, drink or do drugs....