Gay Star News recently compiled a list of the most commonly used drugs for guys that party and play. At GMJ, our list would also include alcohol and marijuana (some would like us to add Poppers). The following is an excellent breakdown of the horny and high crowd’s preferred substances. Still, this information is suitable for all guys to know about so they can spot the warning signs of an overdose or even avoid users if this is not your scene.

As always, we at GMJ take a harm reduction approach to substance usage and understand that using a drug is not the same as abusing it. We also know that guys use drugs for many reasons, and these are personal choices that you are making. We don’t judge, we inform, and then you make the best decisions for you and your lifestyle…and accept all consequences. Please click on the YOUR HEALTH tab to read more about drugs and gay sex in our Library of articles.

  • If you believe you, or someone you know, has a substance abuse problem, please reach out for assistance. 

Mephedrone

Also known as Meph, Meow Meow, M-Cat, Bubble, Bounce

What it does: Mephedrone is a powerful amphetamine stimulant that can produce feelings of euphoria, alertness, and affection towards the people around you. You’ll likely be more talkative and feel intoxicated and horny.

What are the risks: It can provoke anxiety and paranoia, headaches, vomiting, insomnia, and teeth grinding. Over-stimulation can cause palpitations or damage to your heart. Amphetamines can cause the body to overheat, which is associated with death.

Reducing the risk: Users swallow mephedrone or snort it. Injecting mephedrone is associated with more health risks, such as damage to blood vessels. It also puts you at risk of hepatitis C and HIV if you share needles with others.

Take advice from a medical professional on injecting correctly to avoid damaging your veins. Don’t share or reuse needles. Avoid mixing mephedrone with alcohol or other drugs that make you high.

Crystal meth

Also known as Tina, crystal, meth, ice, glass, Christine, Yabba

What it does: Crystal Meth, part of the amphetamine family, makes users feel awake, alert, high, and exhilarated. It lowers inhibitions, especially concerning sex, and will typically make you feel super horny.

It’s typically smoked or snorted, and the high can last between 4-24 hours.

What are the risks: It can also make you feel agitated, paranoid, and confused – to the point of psychosis. It raises the heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of a heart attack. You will probably have trouble getting an erection, despite feeling very aroused (‘crystal dick’).

As its effects can last so long, you can forget to take HIV treatment or PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) if you take those medications. You can also go for long periods without eating or sleeping.

In terms of overdose, crystal is not as dangerous as GHB unless mixed with alcohol or other drugs. However, it is highly addictive, and users can quickly become hooked without realizing it.

‘People don’t normally go through the normal stages of addiction,’ says Mike Rizzo, a former crystal meth addict turned counselor at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. ‘Or if they do, they go through them very quickly: experimental use, social use, recreational use, and then addiction. With crystal, you go from experimental to addiction fast.’

Reducing the risk: Avoid mixing with GHB or alcohol. Injecting the drug will carry additional health risks, especially if you share needles. In terms of avoiding becoming addicted, there is no agreed advice on minimizing the risks: it’s a very addictive drug for most users.

GHB

Also known as G, Gina, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X

What it does: Produces a feeling of euphoria, lowers inhibitions, and can boost sexual desire. The scientific name is gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). GBL is converted into GHB in your body when ingested; in some cities, it is more common than GHB.

What are the risks: It can be very easy to overdose on GHB. An overdose can send you into a GHB-induced coma, which leaves you vulnerable to being sexually assaulted. You might wake sometime later thinking you’ve merely been asleep. A slightly greater dose can lead to respiratory collapse and death. The adverse health risks are increased further if mixed with other drugs or alcohol.

GHB is also physically addictive, and addicts usually need medical assistance to be weaned off the drug.

Reducing the risk: If you take GHB, take small doses, and leave at least 2-3 hours between doses.

London-based drug charity Antidote says: ‘Some people find that between 0.5 and 1ml of G will give them a safe high, and they never dose again within the same three-hour period.’

Use a measured dropper or syringe to measure a dose: do not just pour from a bottle into a cup and think you’ve been safe. Also, don’t accept G from others – stick to your own doses and timings.

Cocaine

Also known as Charlie, coke, snow, rocks, toot.

What it does: Cocaine has been around the decades – you used to be able to buy it in chemists at the turn of the 19th century. It’s most commonly snorted as a powder and induces feelings of confidence, euphoria, and alertness. You can feel invincible and all-conquering.

What are the risks: It raises your body temperature and makes your heart beat faster. High doses can cause heart failure or heart attack. It’s a very addictive drug – even more so if you smoke freebase or crack cocaine. Regularly snorting cocaine will damage the inner cartilage of your nose.

It’s also an expensive drug, which means it’s fallen out of favor with many gay men in favor of other, cheaper drugs.

Reducing the risk: Avoid using other drugs or alcohol. Avoid using crack cocaine, which is even more addictive and potentially dangerous.

Ketamine

Also known as K, Special K

Scientific name: Ketamine

What it does: Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that can completely knock you out. In smaller doses, it puts you into a trippy, trance-like state, distorts your view of reality, or induces hallucinations. Your mind can feel disassociated from your body, leaving you unable to move.

What are the risks: Because of its anesthetic qualities, you can hurt yourself badly and not be aware until the drug’s effects have worn off. The drug can severely damage your bladder.

Taking ketamine with alcohol or other ‘downers,’ like benzodiazepines, can depress your breathing ability or lower your heart rate to dangerous levels. If you take so much, you fall asleep; you risk choking on your vomit.

Reducing the risk: Do not mix ketamine with alcohol or other drugs.

If you suspect someone has overdosed on any drug they have taken, do not hesitate to call an ambulance.

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