Tips for all non-users
Tips for HIV+Positive non-users
Tips for current users

Tips for all non-users: Just Say No

The easiest way to avoid a crystal addiction is by not trying it to begin with. This is hard to do since there are so many people out there on the internet or at the raves, dance clubs, sex clubs, bath houses, and parties who are using crystal and offering it. The persuasions can be strong and the peer pressure high, but nobody can make you take crystal if you keep your wits about you. Just say "NO". Really!

Helpful Hints to non-users:
  • Periodically remind yourself of the dangers of meth addiction.
  • Get to know the different names and terms associated with crystal.
    Having this knowledge puts you one step ahead in the game.
  • Remember that you can't develop an addiction to something if you don't allow it into your system in the first place.
  • Try to avoid people who use crystal and situations where crystal is very likely to be present, especially if you are the type who gives in to pressure.
  • Politely refuse to join in a "bump" or a "line" if offered. After a few tries, the person offering usually gives up.
  • Don't give in to peer pressure. Be strong. It's OK to say "NO".
  • Don't feel pity for a tweaker and don't assume you can fix him. Only he can fix himself, and he usually has to hit bottom to do it. You don't want to go there with him. That's his journey, not yours.
  • Don't be taken in by the usual lies and pressure tactics:
    • It isn't addictive
    • I do it all the time and I'm not an addict
    • Don't worry, it's fun / hot
    • Sex is better on it
    • Everybody's doing it / It will make you more popular
    • One line / bump won't make you an addict / can't hurt
    • It will make you more alert. (TRUE. But there is a limit to how alert you need to be in the real world.)
    • etc.
      •

    Also remember: Nobody gives you HIV. You get it if you let your guard down. Crystal will help you let your guard down so you can get HIV.

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Tips for HIV+ non-users: Meth is No Remedy

Many people start using crystal because of other problems in their lives. With gay men, the leading contributor tends to be the discovery that they have become HIV+Positive. As a result these men can lose their sense of self-worth, believe they have done something wrong, feel shame over their HIV status, and often feel 'What's the harm, I'm going to die anyway'. Crystal meth is not the answer or antedote to these problems. In fact, using crystal only magnifies the conditions HIV manifests. It does not really mask them, nor does it fix them. It distracts you from them while it makes them worse.

Helpful Hints for HIV+Positive men:
  • Start attending HIV support groups and/or open up to a close friend who does not use crystal.
  • Try to avoid putting yourself in situations that could lead you to try crystal.
  • Remember that being HIV+Positive is not the end of the world nor the end of your life.
  • Learn to dismiss thoughts that being HIV+Positive means you are a bad person, a victim, socially unfit, a sinner, or doomed to die.
    You're not.
  • Family, friends and acquaintances still love and respect you even though you're HIV+Positive. Not many people will love and respect you if you're a crystal meth addict.
  • Focus and micro-focus on the positive things in your life, even when there may not seem to be many at the time.
  • Remember that using crystal and other drugs and alcohol will not 'fix' your HIV. They will cause your body further damage. Some damage may not be recoverable.
  • Politely and firmly refuse offers to try crystal methamphetamine, no matter what name it is given by the person offering it.
  • If you were lied to by a sex partner and subsequently became HIV+, remember that he probably was using meth when he lied to you.

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Tips for current meth users: Quit Now!

It is never too early, nor too late, to quit using crystal. If you were HIV-Negative when you started using crystal and you think you might still be, quitting now gives you your best chance at staying HIV-Negative. If you are HIV+Positive, quitting now means reducing the harm to your brain and body before the virus capitalizes on any damage. Remember, using meth will only cause more damage to your body and brain which HIV is poised to take advantage of.

There is a point when it is too late: when too much irrepairable damage has been done to your body by the drug, or by advanced HIV, or of course, when you die.

Helpful Hints for current crystal users:
  • Admit to your problem/addiction.
  • Quit pretending you can quit any time and just do it. You will probably find out that it isn't as easy as you thought. But that's no reason to give in.
  • Attend support groups, like AA or NarcAnon, or private support groups. There are many to choose from in most areas.
  • Change your circle of friends... but keep the friends who don't use party drugs. You'll need them later.
  • Stop cold turkey. Plan on a lot of rough days, and know these are the worst part of recovery. It gets easier as you go.
  • Avoid the triggers: people, places and situations that make you think of getting tweaked.
  • Try having sex only when you're sober. Don't expect to play or perform like you used to... at least until you get re-accustomed to having sex without drugs.
  • Rely on your family and/or friends for support. Didn't I tell you you'd need them? :-)
  • Focus and micro-focus on the positive things in your life, even when there may not seem to be many at the time.
  • Try to renew an interest in a hobby, collection, or passion. Don't think about wasting time. No hobby can waste as much time as a crystal high, and the rewards are longer lasting.
  • If you find you can't quit alone, get into rehab. Don't keep fucking around with it. Do it.
  • Spend some time each day remembering your pleasant times and exciting challenges and know you can have them back.
  • LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR!

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