We asked this question in an Instagram poll on the 30th of October 2024, to gauge how people feel about drug use in our community.
Whilst most people (90%) think we have normalised taking drugs to elevate our nights out, the majority (70%) think it is a bad thing (‘it is devastating our community’) whilst only 20% said they ‘don't see a major problem with that’. 1/10 do not think it is normalised, with 7% saying ‘only some people are using drugs’, and the remaining 3% said ‘only a few people do it regularly’.
Some of the people who felt it was devastating our community left additional comments. One person said, "it's fun at first but seems there is no way to break the cycle and keep the friends you invested in". Another respondent went further, saying "risk of G overdoses, G related deaths, comedowns, and three-day weekends have all been normalised". He further argued that "many people who have experienced a ‘close call’ [a G overdose] still jump back into the same patterns eventually".
One respondent who felt it had been normalised implied that he did not think it was devastating the community per se, but said "for many it has become a problem". Another person pointed out how the consequence of normalising drug taking might lead to normalising people dying from drug overdoses.
Whether we think it's a good or a bad thing, or as most of us probably would agree - the issue is more nuanced and complex than a simple yes-or-no to a poll question - most of us appears to believe it's normalised in our community.
Do we as a community take more drugs compared to the general population and if so, why?
Indeed, drug use among gay, bi, and queer (GBQ) men is more common compared to the general population, and several complex social, cultural, and personal factors contribute to this. Unpacking some of these can help shed a light on why drug use is more normalised in our community.
Here are some of the main factors contributing to the higher prevalence of drug taking in our community.
Cultural Influence and Community Bonding
To an extent, drug use has become intertwined with gay/queer nightlife and party culture. As safe spaces for GBQ men have historically centred around bars and clubs, substances like alcohol and illicit drugs have become part of the nightlife experience. Drug use in these environments is often linked to a sense of belonging, solidarity, and freedom from judgment. For those who may have struggled to find acceptance in mainstream society, these scenes can feel affirming and inclusive.
The normalisation of drug use in queer spaces can, however, perpetuate a cycle of dependency. Younger queer men entering these scenes may feel that drug use is essential to social acceptance, contributing to a normalisation of harmful behaviours that can affect both physical and mental health in the long run.
Social and Sexual Contexts of Drug Use
Many GBQ men also encounter drug use in social and sexual environments, making it more normalised within the community. Chemsex — a term used to describe the use of drugs like methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, and mephedrone to enhance sexual experiences — has become an identifiable phenomenon, particularly in large cities like London, New York, and Madrid. Chemsex is often linked to prolonged sexual activity and intense social interactions, which may initially feel liberating and empowering for those dealing with self-esteem or acceptance issues.
However, chemsex presents significant risks. In a study conducted by the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS), approximately one in five gay men in larger cities reported engaging in chemsex, and nearly half of those individuals reported negative effects, including addiction, relationship issues, and severe health consequences.
Furthermore, the drugs associated with chemsex, particularly methamphetamine and GHB/GBL, have high addiction potential. Methamphetamine can damage the cardiovascular and nervous systems over time, and lead to “meth-induced psychosis,” where individuals experience hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. GHB/GBL has a high risk of overdose, which can lead to respiratory arrest, coma, and death.
Stigma, Shame, and Mental Health
Research shows that minority stress — stigma and discrimination faced by GBQ men due to our sexual orientation — significantly affects our mental health. This stress often includes experiences of homophobia, shame, and societal stigma, which can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. GBQ men are nearly twice as likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders as heterosexual men due to these social stressors.
In response to these challenges, some of use might use drugs as a coping mechanism. Drugs can temporarily relieve stress, alleviate social discomfort, and offer an escape from mental health struggles. However, this form of self-medication can become problematic because it only masks issues rather than addressing them, which can lead to dependence and long-term health consequences.
In conclusion
Unpacking the underlying factors behind the higher rates of drug use among GBQ men and why it might be more normalised in our community sheds light on a complex intersection of cultural norms, community bonding, social pressures, and the impact of stigma and shame. To combat drug misuse and addiction we need to foster non-judgemental environments and inclusive social spaces in which we all feel safe and encouraged to educate ourselves about the risks associated with frequent drug use and where to go for support when needed.
Whilst most of us agree that we have normalised using drugs to elevate our nights out, most of us also agree that the associated risks must be taken seriously as they otherwise can have devastating consequences.
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