Recorded presentation

Jeffrey T. Parsons, PhD, Psychology Department, Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, 212-772-5533, jeffrey.parsons@hunter.cuny.edu

Recent research has documented an increase in the use of club drugs (e.g., methamphetamine, ecstasy/MDMA, ketamine, GHB) among gay/bisexual men. Further, increased club drug use has been associated with increased sexual risk behaviors. Particular dangers face HIV-positive gay/bisexual men who use these drugs, in terms of immune system function and negative interactions with HIV medications. Interventions that incorporate a harm reduction philosophy are needed for this population, both to decrease harm related to club drug use, as well as associated sexual risk practices. Two interventions will be presented. The first is an educational video designed specifically for this population based on formative research. Using a creative and entertaining approach, the video shows “drag queens” portraying a variety of recreational drugs to illustrate their negative effects on physical and psychological health, sexual risk practices, and immune system functioning. The video, used primarily in group sessions with gay/bisexual men, uses humor to convey factual information without being perceived as dry or preachy, and helps to create an environment where drug use can be openly discussed with less stigma and judgment. The second intervention to be presented is based on principles of motivational interviewing and the stages of change transtheoretical model. The use of motivational interviewing to work with gay/bisexual men who are at earlier stages of their readiness to change drug use will be discussed, with a particular emphasis on using this approach with young gay/bisexual men, and gay/bisexual men of color.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the underlying premise of harm-reduction based interventions to reduce the dangers associated with club drug use.
• Articulate the techniques of motivational interviewing as applied to promoting behavior change for club drug use.
• Identify creative ways to develop and implement educational, video-based interventions that are sensitive to the cultural needs of gay/bisexual men.

Keywords: Drug Use, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation