Tweakers: How Crystal Meth is Ravaging Gay America

by Frank Sanello

 

Tweakers: How Crystal Meth is Ravaging Gay America

Frank Sanello

Alyson Publications

 

Journalist Frank Sanello uncovers shocking facts and hard-to-face realities in Tweakers, his in depth study of too many gay American’s deadly addiction to crystal meth.

Having previously authored Opium Wars: The Addiction of One Empire and the Corruption of Another, Sanello is well-qualified to examine how crystal abuse is reaching epidemic levels among gay men. Tweakers get a quick cheap high, an exhilarating loss of inhibition and increased stamina at the price of permanent behavioral changes, brain damage and death due, not only to the dangers associated with routine methamphetamine use, but also the horrifying side-effects brought on by the reagenting ingredients used in the processing of crystal.

In addition, research concludes that almost one third of the new cases of HIV are caused by the loss of sexual inhibition brought on by the decreased mental capacity associated with crystal.

Sanello’s book draws upon conversations with addicts, as well as experts in the gay community and at drug treatment centers.

”I used to be a surgeon,” he whispers despairingly as he injects himself with crystal.” This excerpt, taken from one of the eight case studies Sanello uses to launch his uncompromising exploration of crystal addiction, vividly illustrates the inevitable downward spiral associated with habitual use of methamphetamine.

While painting a terrifying portrait of a deadly drug and a population at risk, Sanello shares invaluable information and resources designed to offer hope and help to those who suffer.

(as published in Family and Friends Magazine, June 2005)