Pubdate: Fri, 02 Sep 2005
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2005
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jeff Hodson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

DOCTOR DECRIES GAYS SHARING TREATMENT CENTRES WITH EX-CONS

Vancouver needs more "gay friendly" treatment centres for people with 
addictions, says a local addictionologist.

Ian Martin, physician at Three Bridges Community Health Centre's primary 
care clinic (1292 Hornby St.), says that while a number of initiatives 
exist that try to help people with methamphetamine addictions, more needs 
to be done to help addicted members of Vancouver's gay community.

"A lot of our clients who identify with GBLT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, 
Transgender) end up going to a treatment centre that is filled with ex-cons 
and isn't necessarily gay friendly."

A negative environment, or one in which people feel threatened, makes it 
hard for people dealing with drug addiction. Gay friendly inpatient and 
outpatient care is a "badly needed resource" in the city, Martin said.

"Methamphetamine use in the gay community is often tied-in with sex. 
Dealing with those issues in an environment that is not conducive to gay 
men can be a real challenge."

Martin said it's wrong to lump all gay users in the same category. He added 
that people, gay or straight, use methamphetamines for different reasons.

Drug recovery is an individual process, he said, what works for one person 
isn't necessarily going to work for another. But one option is a 12-step, 
self-help group, like Crystal Meth Anonymous.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom