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May 18, 2005
Michael Lucas Uncensored: Crystal Mess
Not sure if you picked up this week’s The New Yorker with its “Higher Risk” report about what many are calling the “Crystal Mess Epidemic.”And what a mess it is.
As an avid anti-drug advocate, I often wonder, How is it that we, gay men, who are supposed to be smart, thoughtful, introspective…who have supposedly had a challenging life that has given us depth, humility, and understanding, are not smart enough to know that this drug is no joke?
How many times have you heard this: “Oh, I only use it on the weekends when I go out?” Please! Rehab centers all over the country are filled with people who were “only using it when they’re REALLY tired.” Funny how it works isn’t it? Who would have thought that the occasional bump would turn into an addiction?
The gay community is starting to look a lot like an after-school special. The sad part is this is no brain surgery. Play with crystal and at some point, you’ll get hooked. Just look around, thousands of men and women, ruined by this drug. They’ve lost their jobs, their friends, and their self-respect. For the lucky ones who were able to reclaim their lives and find their way back from the depths of despair and paranoia, their days are now anchored by NA meetings.
If you think this is just another overblown account of an otherwise small problem, think again buddy. The numbers are staggering. According to researchers at Hunter College and NYU, it seems close to 15 percent of all gay men living in New York City are now using crystal on a regular basis. That’s almost one in every six!
What’s more alarming is that this crystal epidemic is fueling another health crisis, AIDS. Yep, as if the 80s weren’t enough my friends, the number of new HIV cases these days are, for the first time, surpassing the those of the pre-cocktail years. There is no doubt that crystal has something to do with it.
Isn’t it time we do more than put up posters on phone booths? I personally never tried any drugs, I don’t smoke cigarettes, I don’t even drink. Why? Because I have a very addictive personality, I’m addicted to sex so I know that the best thing for me is to stay away from all other vices.
I’ve also seen what this drug can do to people up close. One of my ex-boyfriends was a functional drug-addict. I took him to all the meetings I could find and spent many nights with him in the ER. In the end I had to end it. I realized that I’m not looking to baby sit someone who enjoys his drugs more than me.
Surprisingly, the breakup sobered him up. He’s got a new boyfriend, lives in Connecticut and has even adopted a couple of kids.
My advice? If you happen to be in a relationship with a drug addict, throw him out, cut him loose. It’s the only way to save them from themselves. The cliché is right, you have to hit rock bottom before you can swim back to the surface.
Love,
Michael Lucas
Posted by Michael at May 18, 2005 05:12 PM
Comments
I've had a few friends lives ruined by crystal use. What's Michael's opinion on use of poppers?
Posted by: Donald at May 18, 2005 06:20 PM
You are completely right Michael. Crystal is the most addictive drug to appear on the scene and it is important that people understand that it's addictive qualities are much stronger than it's recreational qualities, which in itself is a big trap. That, I think is what makes it such a danger. I also think that when talking about drugs it is important to weigh up and take into account the recreational value connected to drugs, that is, you can have a great time getting high, but then comes the down part, and with Crystal the price on every level is just too high.It is the first drug i have encountered that I must admit has frightened me. Best stay away from it, it will hook even the most controlled people.
Posted by: Manu at May 18, 2005 06:29 PM
Bravo Michael! We all dance around this issue in the industry, but no one has the balls to say anything about it...except for you! We have all been touched in one way or another by the evils of Crystal Meth. It is one of the most highly addictive and most devestating drugs ever. It is nasty, nasty shit and destroys peoples lives.
Another major issue is the connection between crystal use and unsafe sex. The rise in HIV in the under 30 age group can be attributed, in part, to the use of Crystal. Crystal makes you stupid and makes it easy for you to make bad decision. I have seen too many younger guys get fucked up and having bareback sex with multiple partners. These are the same kids that 6 months later turn up HIV positive.
It is all very, very sad and not something I can just sit by and watch happen. That is why we have joined with Michael Lucas in support of his anti-bareback and anti-crystal message. If we didn't care we could jsut be like all the rest and sit in the background not saying a word. Silence is acceptance, and we won't be silent any longer.
Thanks Michael!
Posted by: Keith Webb at May 18, 2005 06:51 PM
I second that BRAVO! I for one have witness this addition among many of my friends in the industry who still use it to this day. Not only is it very addictive and a drug that leads to bareback and HIV it is the most common excuse to stay "thin" The "Tina" diet. It's a shame that most studios don't do drug test.How many time have we all heard "this model used a stunt dick because he couldn't get it up" Why hire these guys seriously. I commend you for speaking out on this subject and hope that every studio starts taking this serious if they themselves want to be taken serious.
Posted by: Tass at May 19, 2005 12:30 AM
I totally agree with Michael. Whether it's Tina or Crack, it's all just WHACK!!
Peace
AP
Posted by: Arnold at June 9, 2005 10:07 PM
lucas i love u
Posted by: khalifa bachir at November 22, 2005 08:40 AM
i love u
i want ur @
Posted by: amr at November 24, 2005 09:54 AM