Reducing the risk  /  If you're going out  /  Poppers aka Amyl Butyl or Isobutyl nitrates
Poppers & HIV  /  Other drugs,HIV and anti-HIV drugs

For some of us, taking drugs means we can better enjoy sexual activities. In more recent years, they have played an increasing role in our social lives as they have become more accessible and acceptable in our culture. However, when we take drugs, our perception of risk, vulnerability and danger can alter or evaporate completely in the heat of the moment. Our abilities to communicate, use condoms, gloves and lubricants, gauge size, thrust, pain and say 'no' can be substantially reduced; yet these are the very abilities we need to protect ourselves. Minimising the risk of infection or damage during arseplay requires co-ordination and precision.

If you take drugs, you'll probably say that you 'know your limits' and can 'handle the situation'. Some people can... maybe you can but if you're not aware of what you're doing, you can increase the risks of HIV/STD transmission and internal injuries.

If you are feeling ill, tired, worried or depressed, are on your own or have something important to do in the near future (like go to work) their effects may not be what you want, or expect. Whilst they may make you feel better in the short-term they may also make you feel worse. The effects of any drug can depend on a number of things:

REDUCING THE RISK

The following advice may help to reduce the risks but remember: using any drug involves risks, taking more or mixing drugs increases the risks. Mixing drugs (particularly with alcohol) may make the effects of other drugs seem different or weak, which could lead to you taking too much, and some drug combinations are deadly. Whether you're out, in a club or at home, if someone gets ill and you have to call an ambulance, don't mess about. Be sure to tell the medics what's been going on. Don't be afraid, it could save a life - maybe yours!

If you want to make the most of a weekend, avoid doing any drugs in the week, particularly if you're working. Sleep is vital as it keeps your mind, body and soul in balance. Sleep re-charges your batteries so you can do the things you like - so get plenty. Not eating can cause fatigue, cramps and weight loss. It is important to eat properly and regularly. If you're going out to a club in the evening, eat earlier in the day to avoid stomach cramps. Extra salt on your food a few days before will also help to retain body fluids, while multi-vitamins through the week may help to keep you fit and healthy.

IF YOU ARE GOING OUT

Clubs can get very crowded and extremely hot. This can cause you problems like dehydration (loss of body fluids), serious over-heating, and heat exhaustion - all of which are dangerous. Sweating is how bodies keep cool and stop hyperthermia, so buy non-alcoholic sugary drinks to replace lost fluids. Wear lightweight (non-nylon) clothes, don't wear hats or caps as they will help to retain body heat, and if you can, take warmer clothing/change of clothes with you for when you leave. Remember Alcohol and drugs dehydrate your body.

POPPERS (AMYL,BUTYL or ISOBUTYL NITRATES)

On the dance floor and for sex, gay men have been taking amyl nitrite or poppers since the 70's, although for over 125 years it has been used as a treatment for heart conditions. When inhaled, poppers relax your blood vessels making it easier for blood to flow through your body. This lowers your blood pressure and speeds up the rate with which your blood circulates creating the all too familiar 'rush' in your head and pounding heart. Your sphincter muscles also relax, allowing anything going up and in - easier entry. However, you can also lose your erection, as your cock (which needs blood to keep it stiff) is also affected by the poppers. On the flip side, using poppers can cause headaches, vomiting and nausea. Poppers can also burn the skin and discolour clothing and linen - so don't spill them or drink them.

POPPERS AND HIV

Ever since HIV first emerged amongst gay men, there has been controversy about whether poppers cause some of the illnesses associated with it. Although banned in the USA since 1989 on health grounds (but still available as video head cleaner), the sale of poppers in the UK has not been restricted. It is thought that they are still used widely by gay men, both HIV negative and HIV positive. There is now little support amongst the scientific and HIV communities for the view that poppers play an active key role in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, one of the AIDS-defining illnesses. In May 1994, a USA conference (set up to look at poppers specifically) failed to reach a clear conclusion. It recommended that further research was urgently needed to clear up some of the unanswered questions about poppers and AIDS. Now that the use of poppers is under scientific scrutiny you may want to think twice about using them. However, in the absence of any clear evidence either way it's not easy to make an informed decision about any risks that there might be. We are therefore left with three choices: stop using them now, use them more moderately, or keep on using them as before.

OTHER DRUGS, HIV AND ANTI-HIV DRUGS

Combination therapy has brought with it many benefits for those with HIV. But there are still unanswered questions relating to the possible interactions between 'recreational drugs' and anti-retroviral drugs. This is the case for a number of reasons. Class A and B drugs (ecstacy/MDMA, LSD, speed/meth/crystal, heroin, coke/crack, dope/weed etc.) are all illegal, so it is difficult to find out what interactions, if any, there are, because of the legal implications of testing them. Not to mention the differing 'recipes' used by 'manufacturers' which results in the different qualities and effects they have on each individual. If you are taking anti-retroviral therapy and recreational drugs (or thinking about it) the best advice I can give is to speak to your clinic doctor who might be able to shed more light on the matter.