Gay Men, Gay Addiction Treatment, Gay Drug Rehab and the Healthcare Provider

While people are living longer and longer as years go by, there are issues specific to the gay population that may be of particular concern. While not every issue mentioned in this article may apply to you as a gay man, the better educated a person is, the better off they are.

Safe sex practices among the gay community

Most of us know that men who have sex with other men are at an increased risk of HIV infection, but the effectiveness of safe sex in reducing the rate of HIV infection is one of the gay community?s great success stories. Unfortunately, the last few years have seen the return of many unsafe sex practices. Many attribute these unsafe sex practices to the growth of crystal meth abuse. The decision making process while under the influence of crystal meth is quite impaired creating high risk sex practices. While the medical field continues to develop effective HIV treatments, there is no substitute for preventing infection. Safe sex is proven to reduce the risk of receiving or transmitting HIV.

Gay drug addiction and gay alcohol addiction

Gay men use drugs and alcohol at a higher rate and suffer from drug addiction and alcohol addiction more than the general population. It has been determined that gay men suffer from drug addiction at a higher rate than heterosexuals due to the challenges they face on a daily basis and growing up. In general, their drug addiction is focused around drugs such as amyl nitrate ("poppers"), to ecstasy, and crystal meth-amphetamines. The long term and short term effects of these drugs can be found at www.recoveryconnection.com, a drug addiction resource directory.

Mental health, dual diagnosis left untreated can ruin your life.

Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety appear to affect gay men at a higher rate than in the general population. The likelihood of depression or anxiety may be greater, and the problem may be more severe for those men who remain in the closet, do not have adequate social supports, suffer from internalized homophobia and refuse to seek help. Adolescents and young adults may be at particularly high risk of suicide because due to their reluctance to express their feelings. Culturally sensitive gay mental health services, gay drug rehab programs or gay alcohol rehab programs may motivate gay men to seek addiction treatment before their lives spin too far out of control. Gay men who suffer from drug addiction, alcohol addiction, as well as, a mental health disorder are referred to as having a dual diagnosis. It is not unusual for a gay man suffering from depression to turn to crystal meth as a means of gathering energy or the person suffering from anxiety to begin abusing tranquilizers to regain some sense of calm.

Immunization from Hepatitus is extremely important

Gay men are at an increased risk of sexually transmitted infection with the viruses that cause the serious condition of the liver known as hepatitis. These infections can be potentially fatal, and can lead long-term issues such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, immunizations are available to prevent two of the three most serious viruses. Universal immunization for Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis B Virus is recommended for all gay men. Safe sex is effective at reducing the risk of viral hepatitis, and is currently the only means of prevention for the very serious Hepatitis C Virus. In many cases, Hepatitus C is contracted through the use of shared needles. This generally takes place with drug addiction such as heroin addiction, crystal meth addiction or any other injectable drug.

Gay men and sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur in sexually active gay men at a high rate. This includes STD infections for which effective treatment is available (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, pubic lice, and others), and for which no cure is available (HIV, Hepatitis A, B, or C virus, etc.). There is absolutely no doubt that safe sex reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and prevention of these infections through safe sex is key. Unfortunately drug addiction, specifically crystal meth addiction, has played a key role in the escalation of STD?s. While under the influence of crystal meth or any drug addiction for that matter, values regarding safe sex are often compromised. If you happen to be suffering from drug addiction, find yourself treatment in an effective and quality drug rehab or addiction treatment center.

Alcoholism, alcohol abuse in the gay community

Although more recent studies have improved our understanding of gay alcohol abuse, it is still thought that gay men have higher rates of alcoholism and alcohol abuse than straight men. One drink daily may not adversely affect health, however alcohol-related illnesses can occur with low levels of consumption. Gay alcohol rehab services are imperative to motivate gay men and help them overcome the challenges gay men face in seeking alcohol rehab programs. Gay alcohol rehab programs or gay friendly alcohol programs are designed specifically to address the needs of gay men and women. Gay alcohol treatment programs can make all the difference in the prevention of gay drug addiction and gay alcoholism.

Anal Papilloma among gay men

Of all the sexually transmitted infections gay men are at risk for, human papilloma virus ?which cause anal and genital warts ? is often thought to be little more than an unsightly inconvenience. However, these infections may play a role in the increased rates of anal cancers in gay men. Some health professionals now recommend routine screening with anal Pap Smears, similar to the test done for women to detect early cancers. Safe sex should be emphasized. Treatments for HPV do exist, but recurrences of the warts are very common, and the rate at which the infection can be spread between partners is very high.

If you are looking for a gay friendly drug rehab or alcohol rehab you can call 1-800-511-9225, which is a national drug addiction helpline.

Jonathan Huttner is a principal in a gay friendly drug rehab and gay friendly alcohol rehab called Lakeview. The gay drug rehab component is referred to as Freedom Rings.