Drug Addiction Treatment Blog

A great story to pass on to our kids and a lesson to be learned by us all…

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

“Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed”.

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The use of crystal methamphetamine by men who have sex with men (MSM) increases the risk of HIV transmission and can cause complications in those who are already HIV-positive, according to an article in the March 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online. Highly popular with young people who frequent dance clubs, crystal meth and its cousin “Ecstasy” both induce a feeling of elation and alertness. This sense of well-being is dangerous, though, as it lessens inhibitions and can lead to unprotected sex with multiple partners.From the Clinical Infectious Diseases :Crystal methamphetamine use increases HIV risk

The use of crystal methamphetamine by men who have sex with men (MSM) increases the risk of HIV transmission and can cause complications in those who are already HIV-positive, according to an article in the March 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.
Highly popular with young people who frequent dance clubs, crystal meth and its cousin “Ecstasy” both induce a feeling of elation and alertness. This sense of well-being is dangerous, though, as it lessens inhibitions and can lead to unprotected sex with multiple partners. HIV rates are high among methamphetamine users, putting younger MSM at an increased risk for infection.

Meth-induced lapses in judgment leading to promiscuous sexual behavior make users more likely to contract HIV, but the drug itself could also increase the risk “because it may suppress a part of your immune system that’s important in fighting off HIV,” said Dr. Antonio Urbina, lead author of the study. Furthermore, he said, meth and its analogs, such as “Ecstasy,” can be fatal when mixed with certain antiretroviral treatment (ART). In addition, HIV-positive meth users on HIV medications are missing more doses and are likely contributing to the spread of drug-resistant strains of HIV, said Dr. Urbina.

Among HIV-positive patients not receiving ART, meth use may increase the risk of developing HIV dementia, a condition associated with reduced motor and verbal skills. Methamphetamine decreases dopamine transporter levels, causing symptoms akin to those of Parkinson’s disease, and when combined with HIV’s toxic effects on the brain, “there’s an overlap in neurotoxicity between methamphetamine and HIV,” said Dr. Urbina. “That’s potentially the most serious side effect.”

Getting the word out to young people about the risks of meth use may be difficult. “I really think there’s a lack of information about the catastrophic risks of methamphetamine use, particularly in young MSMs,” said Dr. Urbina, especially since adolescents and young adults “tend to be risk-takers.” The risk of having unsafe sex, and thus the risk of contracting HIV “is far greater [with methamphetamine use] than with marijuana or alcohol,” Dr. Urbina added. “We need to create an environment of awareness that this drug is not one to experiment with.”

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Crystal Meth, Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson’s disease, a severe movement disorder.

Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth is taken orally or intranasally (snorting the powder), by intravenous injection, and by smoking. Immediately after smoking or intravenous injection, the methamphetamine user experiences an intense sensation, called a “rush” or “flash,” that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use produces euphoria - a high, but not a rush. Users may become addicted quickly, and use it with increasing frequency and in increasing doses.

Animal research going back more than 20 years shows that high doses of methamphetamine damage neuron cell-endings. Dopamine- and serotonin-containing neurons do not die after methamphetamine use, but their nerve endings (”terminals”) are cut back and re-growth appears to be limited.

The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even small amounts of methamphetamine include increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.

Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.

If you require assistance in locating help for a crystal meth addiction, call recovery Connection and they will assist you in locating an addiction treatment program.

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Data on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Youth

According to the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey GLBTQ are significantly more likely than their peers to face threats, attempt suicide, and take risks. Risk behaviors among GLBTQ youth are directly related to the violence and harassment they often face. However, the work of programs that create safety in schools and communities throughout Massachusetts and an increasing cultural acceptance of GLBT people have contributed to significant improvements in the lives of GLBT youth.

Read the bad news

Read the good news

The Bad News

The most common thing we feel is isolation. We often feel like we’re all alone, especially because there is so little information available and so few places to meet other Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Questioning (GLBTQ) youth.
We are three times as likely as our straight peers to vomit or use laxatives to control our weight. Though eating disorders are more common among females, among Gay Lesbian Bisexual students eating disorders are more common among males.
Nearly one in three of us have used cocaine at least once - compared to one in fourteen heterosexual students who have used cocaine. We are also more than three times more likely to be daily smokers of cigarettes.
We are three times more likely than my heterosexual peers to contract an STD.
We are three times more likely to have been pregnant or to have gotten someone pregnant.
Many of us get kicked out of our homes, and some of us end up on the street. Between 20-40% of homeless youth identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered.
Though we never intended to, many of us survive on the street by exchanging sex for money, food, or shelter. Seventy-three percent of kids on the street engage in survival sex.
We are more than twice as likely as our heterosexual classmates to skip school because we don’t feel safe. Approximately 28% of us drop out of school altogether.
In the past year, one in five gay, lesbian, and bisexual students have been threatened or injured with a weapon at school.
One in three of us have attempted suicide in the past year. Among those of us who have experienced ongoing harassment or violence at school 89% of us will attempt suicide.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth.
Read the good news

In Massachusetts we have formed GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances) in record numbers. In 1993, there were 3 GSAs in our state; as of 2001 there were over 200.
We have organized the Gay/Straight Youth Pride March in Boston every year since 1995. In 2002, more than 5000 youth and supporters attended from all over Massachusetts and New England.
More and more GLBT youth are coming out publicly, providing us with important role models. Kerry Ashforth of Plymouth, MA was named one of “20 teens who changed the world” by People Magazine for her work in supporting GSAs around the country. Jess Dugan, an openly transgendered student at Cambridge Rindge and Latin was crowned Prom King in 2003. Corey Johnson, captain of the Masconomet High School football team, came out to his coaches and teammates to rousing support, and is now speaking out in schools and communities nationwide.
The state network of Alliances of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (AGLYs) has expanded from three groups in 1992 to 17 groups in 2003 and serves as a national model for a number of states working to support GLBT youth.
Since the formation of the Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth in 1992, there has been a 45% decline in violence against GLBT youth.
Training for educators and human service providers has made a big difference in how we are treated in schools and communities. GLB students in schools where faculty has been trained in suicide and violence prevention for GLB youth are twice as likely as students in other schools to report feeling supported by teachers and counselors.
Our rate of injection drug use has dropped precipitously since 1995.
Our rate of eating disorders dropped 10 percentage points between 1995 and 2001, even as the rate among heterosexual students remained stable.
Between 1999 and 2001, our rates of STDs dropped more than five percentage points.
Suicide attempts among GLB youth dropped 13 percentage points between 1997 and 2001.
Sources

The 2001 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Advocates for Youth
The Boston Alliance of GLBT Youth
*Some data does not include transgendered youth because the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey does not ask about gender identity.

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