NCAD: Adverse childhood experiences common in gay meth-using population

The devastation caused by methamphetamine use in a substantial segment of the gay male population often has its origins in early traumatic experiences, a California-based private practitioner said at a workshop session at the National Conference on Alcohol & Addiction Disorders (NCAD) in Anaheim.

“We have to look at the childhood,” said Art Bowler, PsyD, whose practice covers the Los Angeles area. Some of the commonalities he sees in his methamphetamine-affected patients are low self-esteem, family of origin issues, and a history of victimization from abuse or bullying.

Bowler added that in the Los Angeles area, a sense of isolation presents a dangerous combination with access to time and money for many gay men. He said he finds that some men in this population lacked life goals beyond getting out of the hometown where they faced discrimination.

Methamphetamine becomes alluring for too many of these individuals, Bowler said, as it is strong and cheap and becomes intertwined with sexual encounters. The damage the drug inflicts exceeds that seen with other drugs, he said.

“When you use crystal meth, you're doing brain surgery without the training,” said Bowler.

It is not uncommon to see a “quadruple” presentation of problems that include substance use, a mood disorder, a sexually transmitted disease and homelessness in this population, he said.

Therapeutic approach

Bowler said he tries to use a comforting, nonjudgmental approach in working with gay men affected by methamphetamine use. One barrier often encountered in treatment is that because meth and sex become so connected for these patients, they fear they won't be able to have a satisfying sex life without the drug.

Bowler also explores the dynamics of the individual's experience of coming out, as part of therapy. “No matter if the experience was good or bad, it is important,” he said.