Hi, my name is [PRESENTER NAME]. I’m [PRESENTER ROLE]. Welcome to “Crystal Methamphetamine and HIV.” This video will discuss the history of crystal methamphetamine and its impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Crystal methamphetamine, also known as tina, crank, tweak, ice, speed, and glass, among other names, has exploded onto the HIV/AIDS scene with a flurry in the last 4 to 5 years.

First developed in Japan in 1919, it was recognized in the United States by 1930. It had been legal for many years, but then became illegal in 1970. Bikers used to smuggle it between states in the “crank” case of their motorcycle, thus the name crank.

By the 1980s and 90s, truckers, students, soccer moms, Midwestern business men and women, young junior high and high school girls, gay men, and more recently, South African teens are using crystal methamphetamine for a variety of reasons. Whether used to stay awake on long truck rides, study all night for exams, stay slim, or sex, this drug has permeated all cultures, ages, and sexes. It is estimated that 12 million Americans have tried crystal, with 1.5 million regular users and that number is growing daily. All 50 states have reported finding crystal methamphetamine labs.

No population has seen more damage from this drug than gay men. Because of the effect of a heightened sexual response, gay men have been using crystal methamphetamine for quite awhile. It has only been recently that researchers have been able to connect the dots between crystal and an increase in HIV/AIDS cases. A recent study in California showed that 25% of occasional crystal users and 40% of chronic users were HIV positive. In one residential drug treatment center, 86% of the individuals in recovery were infected with HIV.

So, what’s the attraction to crystal? Once ingested, it stimulates the release of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. It is responsible for the physical “feel good” sensation we get with sex, sleep, eating, and mood. Basically, it is our internal “rewards” mechanism. Individuals on crystal methamphetamine have a heightened sense of self-confidence, ability, and sexual drive. Unfortunately, it is also responsible for the addictions that have destroyed many people’s lives.

In the gay community, a very ugly triad has emerged to perpetuate HIV transmission. With the popularity the Internet and the discovery of Viagra and medications like it, crystal has only added fuel to an already burning blaze. Individuals now have easy access to sex partners via the internet and can stay awake for days on crystal. Adding Viagra or medications like it to the mix, creates a scenario where there is often very aggressive and long lasting sex, usually unprotected because the crystal creates a lack of sense of responsibility. The result: an increase in HIV transmission among gay men.

The heterosexual crystal methamphetamine community has not been studied as extensively with regards to HIV/AIDS transmission, but common sense would tell us that anytime you have a decrease in inhibition with an increase in sexual desire without feeling responsible to yourself or your partner, HIV/AIDS will show up in the mix.

The negative impact caused by crystal methamphetamine is devastating and, often irreversible. It causes damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, teeth and bones. It is responsible for the skin abscesses that are often caused by a drug resistant bacteria called MRSA. The effect on the brain is the most significant with regards to ability deal with life stressors and maintain healthy relationships. Crystal methamphetamine causes irritability, insomnia, aggression, paranoia, depression and psychosis.

For those individuals who are currently using crystal or thinking about it, ask yourself: “Given all the risks and complications, is it worth it?” If you are using crystal meth, please tell your doctor and consider entering a treatment program.

No matter who you are, you are a valuable individual, and your life matters as do the lives of those in your community. Take care of yourself and those around you. Make healthy choices that eliminate or reduce your risk of contracting HIV.

For AIDSvideos.org, this is [PRESENTER NAME].

Note: An enhanced version of this script and video will be produced in August 2006. Contact Eric Krock before beginning translation of this script.