Drugs

From a very early age, we hear the same saying over and over again, “Say no to drugs.” Mainstream society considers drugs dangerous and usually illegal, impairing a person’s judgment and negatively affecting their overall health. With so many drug-related deaths all over the world, it’s easy to see why many cultures frown upon drugs usage. But drugs come in many different forms, many of which are entirely legal. Things such as alcohol, prescription medications, and even caffeine. Basically, if you’re starting your day with a hot cup of coffee, you’re not entirely drug-free.

Every drug produces a different effect on the body and the mind. A glass of wine won’t do irreparable damage to your body, but drinking an entire bottle on a daily basis will most likely lead to some unintended consequences. While marijuana remains illegal throughout much of the U.S. and the world, its effects on the body are relatively mild. Harder drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin can be extremely deadly, severely crippling a person’s ability to lead a normal life. While everyone has their vices, some drug habits can lead to tragedy.

The gay community has always had a unique relationship with drugs.

Back in the 1970s and 80s, the gay scene was littered with cocaine and ecstasy. Gay men and women in major urban areas like New York became known for their excessive partying and drug use. But the more society and the LGBTQ community learned about the dangers of drugs, the less in vogue they became.

Today, drugs are less common in the LGBTQ community, but there are still plenty of disturbing trends going on behind the scenes. Over the last several years, meth has exploded in popularity particularly among gay men. For some reason, combining gay sex and strong substance abuse is fairly commonplace in certain circles. Learn more about why these trends continue and what can be done to combat them.