HIV positive

Tina and HIV
Considerations for HIV+ men
Tina and meds
Tina and seroconversion
Multiple infections

Tina and HIV

There are lots of reasons why HIV+ guys may be more inclined to use Tina than HIV- guys. Tina can be an escape from thinking about HIV. Some guys report feeling an ‘oasis’ in the sexual moment. Tina can make us feel more desirable sexually and socially. Issues of race, age, body type, and self-esteem temporarily disappear. We may be less conscious of physical changes brought on by HIV and our treatments. We may feel that Tina allows us to have sex without guilt and the mental distractions of shame and embarrassment. Getting high can dull physical pain and feel like we’re getting an energy and mood boost as well.

We may be more drug friendly because we are used to taking multiple meds. We may also be used to dealing with or even expect side effects from drugs. If we’re on disability, we may simply have more time to engage in being high.

Although we are lacking good local data, the experience from other jurisdictions suggests that HIV+ guys are at significant risk for Tina use. Studies have reported that men who have sex with men were approximately 3 times more likely to use Tina then HIV- men.*

TIP: Click here for links to Toronto AIDS service organizations and other community resources.

*’A Portfolio of Crystal Research on Crystal Use and Gay Men,’ presented at the forum on ‘Crystal Methamphetamine Use, Gay Men and HIV Risk,’ Toronto, 2005.