Gay Men

what are the treatment approaches?

- Gay affirmative practice - Suicide response and crisis intervention - inclusive and specific to gay men - Programs around self-acceptance and identity - Psychoeducation on safe-sex & Harm-reduction - Develop understanding of social determinants of both physical and mental health - Promote family acceptance and integration into community - Trauma informed approach

Some considerations as Addictions Counselors

- be an ally (trust and safety) - careful with language - gay men need groups outside treatment - explore unique diff. and stress - sex = trigger to use drugs - focus on family of choice - level of their coming out process - parenting issues - HIV/AIDS - address social determinate of health - coping mechanisms

what substances are being abuse?

- cocaine and methamphetamine

what are current struggles/barriers

- discrimination, stigma, family rejection - unsupporting culture - internalized homophobia, heterosexism, shame, guilt - self-medicate - bars & clubs = meeting place = drug use - negative experience of coming out - PTSD - increased risk of unprotected sex while on meth - heterosexism from others in treatment - lack of client entered treatment that creates a safe place

why do they use meth?

- escape loneliness - deal with feelings of sexual attractiveness - lower sexual inhibition

What is Gay affirmative practice

1. Don't assume that a client is heterosexual. 2. Believe that homophobia in the client and society is the problem rather than sexual orientation. 3. Accept identifying as a gay, lesbian, or bisexual person as a positive outcome of the helping process. 4. Work with clients to decrease internalized homophobia so that clients can achieve a positive identity. 5. Become knowledgeable about different theories of the coming-out process. 6. Deal with one's own homophobia and heterosexual bias.

when was homosexuality decriminalized?

1969

compared to heterosexuals, how likely are gay men to use substance

2-4 times more likely

when was same sex marriage legalized?

2005

what percentage of gay men report very stressful life events?

33.4%

how likely are they to be infect with HIV?

71 times more likely

what is there risk for PTSD compared to heterosexual men

double