GenerationQ.net has just completed a 3 month online survey of gay guys who use recreational drugs. Over 13,000 guys responded from Australia, USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. All of the respondents were users of recreational drugs, the majority (81%) aged between 18 and 25 years, 6.3% were still partying and using drugs into thier 40's.

One third of the men used drugs every weekend and 12% they needed them at least 3 times per week. 50% of the men said they only used drugs at major dance parties less than 4 times each year. The drug of choice (over 80%) is still Ecstasy, with one third using Crystal Meth, Poppers or cocaine. 25% of the respondents used GHB.

Side Effects

75% said they experienced extreme sexual arousal including painful erections.
69% had loss of memory
38% had total blackouts
19% became aggressive
6.5% needed hospitalizing

Majority of magazine covers (such as Men's Health) and billboards (like Calvin Klein) give the perception of the ideal and desired man as one perfectly fit.

Why Do You Like Drugs?

81% to party all weekend
56% to have more energy
44% to relax
44% to have better sex
38% to stay awake
33% to increase confidence
25% because my friends do it
19% to lose weight

Do You Need Drugs to go out at Night?

75% say no
25% say yes

Long Term Effects

The following problems may occur with regular repeated use of amphetamines:

•     Sleeping problems
•     Rapid, irregular heart beat
•     High blood pressure
•     Malnutrition
•     "Amphetamine Psychosis"
•     Brain damage or impaired brain function
•     Violence
•     Reduced resistance to infection

A major factor in the reasons of drug usage amongst gay men seems to be increase in confidence, to "relax" and losing weight, which seem to imply serious self esteem issues. Gay men are more likely to experience body image issues than thier heterosexual counterparts.

Where do male body image issues originate?

There are many professional theories that pin-point modern advertisements and media campaigns that portray the ideal man as lean, muscular and fat-free, much in the same way women (including lesbians) have been pressured over the years. Majority of magazine covers (such as Men's Health) and billboards (like Calvin Klein) give the perception of the ideal and desired man as one perfectly fit. For years women have lived with the pressure to be as thin as a Vogue or runway model. Males are also more likely to have a body image disorder due to the pressures of sports and are more likely to induce vomiting because dieting is not a socially acceptable method of weight loss.

As a result, gays and lesbians alike flock to local spas to get a "manicure" and a "pedicure" and other treatments in an effort to look their best. The gyms are filled with gays vying for a spot in front of the mirror in hopes the last workout or protein shake has paid off.

So when is body image a problem?

If you find your anxiety and stress levels increasing over the way you feel about your physical appearance, consult a medical professional and seek help. Preoccupation with body image can lead to dangerous disorders such as anorexia.
Here's a quick male body image quiz to help you determine whether or not you have an eating disorder*:

Are you always thinking of the nutritional value of the foods you eat?
Do you feel angry or guilty when you eat "unhealthy" or "bad" foods?
Do you use food for comfort?
Do you constantly think about weight, body size?
Have you ever induced vomiting?
Are you happier when you lose weight?
Do you think thinness equals happiness?

If you've answered yes to any or all of these questions and you feel preoccupied by your body image, please speak to your doctor or if you feel you cannot, please make contact with us here and we will put you in touch with someone who can help.

Tags: crystal meth, drugs, eating disorders, gay australia, gay men