Accessing help for crystal users
If figures are to be believed, crystal methamphetamine use in the gay male community remains a rising trend.
At the coalface is a new St Kilda-based drug clinic, Access Point, a government-funded health service for people needing help with stimulant drug dependency such as speed, crystal meth (or ice) and cocaine.
The clinic zeroes in on an alternative client base, seeing students and professionals from walks of life differing from those attending chronic drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.
Access Point drug and alcohol clinician Matthew Bugden said one of the big hurdles is overcoming some of the stigma attached to drug and alcohol centres.
-œI think the idea of Access Point is to target psychostimulant users who tend not to access existing drug and alcohol treatment services because of the way these services are set up -” that is they tend to be set up to help those with not only drug-taking behaviours, but also chaotic lifestyles and complex needs.
-œThe clients we’re trying to target are those who perhaps don’t have the chronic or as complex needs of the other client group, sometimes negatively referred to as -˜junkies’.
A 2008 La Trobe University report, Crystal Clear: The social determinants of gay men’s use of crystal methamphetamine in Victoria, concluded rates of crystal meth use among gay men in Melbourne is around 8 to 15 percent, compared with 3.2 per-cent for the rest of the population.
The report indicates most gay men use and manage the drug with few problems, however, issues arise for those who become dependent and those who take the drug for enhanced sexual prowess.
According to the report, use among gay men has increased with one finding suggesting use has doubled from 6.3 percent in 2000 to 15.1 percent in 2006.
National data show use is most common in gay men aged 30 -“ 39.
-œWhat I’m experiencing and what we’re hearing is that there is certainly a representation of the gay community inquiring about and coming in to the clinic, but I’m unaware of exact numbers, Bugden said.
He said Access Point staff are sensitive to the needs of the gay community and apply a blanket anti-discrimination policy when dealing with clients.
-œI would say we’re a non-judgmental service, and not just around sexuality identity. That goes for anyone in a minority group. Perhaps I can define my personal and professional practice as gay-friendly by saying that I’m open to all people, without discrimination.
According to Bugden, the clinic is aware of the gay community’s specific needs, including risk factors associated with frequent crystal meth use and risky sexual behaviour.
-œA considerate and discreet approach to these specific issues, like risky sexual practices, will be adopted within a harm minimisation framework.
Coming from a counselling background, Bugden’s message to clients is a fairly simple one.
-œLife can be lived and enjoyed without having a psychostimulant in your body every day.
info: Access Point, St Kilda, ph: 9534 0981 or [email protected]. If you or someone you care about has an alcohol or drug problem, call DirectLine, Victorian Drug Services on 1800 888 236.
