INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men (MSM) ranges from 10-30% in major US cities, and presents a serious public health issue (Shoptaw & Reback, 2006). While the use of methamphetamine is by no means limited to the gay community, its use represents an important part of that community’s response to the undue psychosocial pressure that its members face. As the reader will see, an understanding of the psychological purposes of methamphetamine use can be understood by examining the social role that it plays among the particular high-risk gay subcultures in which its use has become ingrained. The literature in this area almost uniformly includes MSM as a whole rather than only gay-identified individuals, although it is clear that many of the psychological issues involved in this epidemic are tied to gay identity and the effects of gay stereotypes. This paper will explore the ways in which socially responsible practitioners, by adopting a teleological understanding of methamphetamine use among MSM, can plan and implement highly cost-effective strategies for addressing this important social issue.
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About Me
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I just finished my Master's in Counseling Psychology and Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. You can read about my professional activities in the field of psychology here: Chicago Psychotherapist David Godot.
In a previous life I was a web developer, and I still like to play with technology when I'm procrastinating. I'm currently webmaster for Chicago Psychology and the APA's Division 30 (which I'm hoping they'll let me overhaul soon).
I'm also a foodie, poet, theatre buff, wine snob (on account my sweetie, Chicago sommelier Sara Kay), public relations consultant, reformed flannel-wearing coffeehouse misanthrope, and card-carrying internet-ordained minister.
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