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The Context of HIV Risk Among Drug Users and Their Sexual Partners

The Context of HIV Risk Among Drug Users and Their Sexual Partners

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continual sexual dysfunction was reported in each interview with young<br />

homosexually active methamphetamine users. As Rob stated:<br />

“You know, it’s hard to get an erection when you’re on crystal or a<br />

lot <strong>of</strong> crank.”<br />

Jim’s account also points to how methamphetamine use potentially may<br />

lead to high-risk situations.<br />

“You can’t get an erection when you’re on speed, it’s concentration.<br />

He (meaning, his lover) can never get an erection! (laughs) Hardly<br />

ever. When he’s high, if we play games, it’s easier for him to get it<br />

up ... (laughs). Like play sex games like h<strong>and</strong>cuffs.”<br />

Mark also became disinterested in sex <strong>and</strong> only engaged in sexual<br />

activities for money or as a means <strong>of</strong> getting personal validation from<br />

others.<br />

“I have to be on drugs to have sex with anybody. Period, ‘cause I do<br />

not enjoy having sex. I do not go out <strong>and</strong> look for sex. I don’t even<br />

masturbate. I don’t, like it’s part <strong>of</strong> my manic depressiveness.<br />

Depressed people do not like to have sex... That doesn’t appeal to<br />

me. I won’t (have sex) unless I’m on speed.”<br />

Methamphetamine use is characterized by increased sexual activity not<br />

only because <strong>of</strong> myths suggesting increased potency but also in circular<br />

fashion due to an interdependency with sex work as a means <strong>of</strong> support<br />

for the “meth habit.” Two <strong>of</strong> the three youths described in this paper<br />

traded sex for drugs or money. As Jim’s comments illustrate,<br />

involvement in the drug-using subculture may place youths in situations<br />

where sex is bartered.<br />

“We bought this bag <strong>and</strong> we went back to my hotel...<strong>and</strong> I split it<br />

with him. He did half <strong>and</strong> I did the other half, <strong>and</strong> it instantly<br />

sobered me up, I remember. I didn’t know what was going on <strong>and</strong><br />

stuff like that, <strong>and</strong> I thought I was beautiful <strong>and</strong> all this stuff, <strong>and</strong> I<br />

came out to try to make some more money, <strong>and</strong> I did, <strong>and</strong> that was<br />

how I got into that whole trap <strong>of</strong> money, making money for sex <strong>and</strong><br />

constantly doing speed.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> methamphetamine subculture has clear normative roles for sex work.<br />

For example, Mark distinguishes between “johns” <strong>and</strong> “tricks.” “Tricks”<br />

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