AIMS: To report data measuring the prevalence and independent associations of heavy and problematic drug or alcohol use among a household-based sample of men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: Cross-sectional survey sampling men who identified as being gay or bisexual or who reported sex with another man in the past five years (N=2172). A probability telephone sample of MSM was taken within ZIP Codes of four large American cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco) estimated to have total concentraions of at least 4% of all households with one resident MSM. Standard measures of alcohol use, problems associated with alcohol use and recreational drug use were administered by trained telephone interviewers. FINDINGS: Both recreational drug (52%) and alcohol use (85%) are highly prevalent among urban MSM, while current levels of multiple drug use (18%), 3 or more alcohol-related problems (12%), frequent drug use (19%) and heavy-frequent alcohol use(8%) are not uncommon. The associations of heavy and/or problematic use are complex, with independent associations found at the levels of demographics, adverse early life circumstances, current mental health status, social and sexual practices and connection to gay male culture. CONCLUSIONS: The complex pattern of associations with heavy and/or problematic substance use among urban MSM suggests that such use is grounded in multiple levels: the individual, the interpersonal and the socio-cultural.
Learning Objectives: To understand the epidemiology of drug use, alcohol use and alcohol-related problems within a large scale, household-based sample of gay men who reside within four of America's largest metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York)
Keywords: Drug Use, Gay Men
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.