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Crystal Meth Outreach & Education

Crystal meth (methamphetamine) is a powerful stimulant that gives users a feeling of intense euphoria.  Because it increases the desire for sex and lowers inhibitions, crystal meth users, usually men who have sex with men (MSMs), frequently engage in unprotected sex.  Studies have shown that new HIV infections are significantly higher among people who use crystal meth, and syphilis, hepatitis C and other serious sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also on the increase among this population.

Because of crystal meth’s prominence in New York’s sex party circuit, PHP launched its innovative Crystal Meth Project in 2005.  Through personal and web-based networking, the Project learns of underground sex parties. Project staff and peer educators attend the parties and conduct safe sex demonstrations and referrals as party-goers arrive.  They hand out condoms and culturally appropriate educational materials, and talk to anyone who is interested in learning more about practicing safer sex.

PHP peer educator presenting at the Safe Injection Site conference