At SFAF, Peers Support One Another to Reduce the Harm of Crystal Meth Use

According to numerous studies and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation's own research, gay and other men who have sex with men who party with crystal methamphetamine (speed) may be 2--4 times more likely to become infected with HIV. To assist men to decrease their risk for HIV and reduce other potential negative consequences of crystal use, SFAF created The Speed Project in 2005.

The Project acknowledges the many quality programs available in San Francisco to help men who want to reduce or stop their crystal use, such as The Stonewall Project and New Leaf Services. Working with these other agencies and with much input from the community, the Speed Project launched a unique program to complement these existing services. The Project now delivers several harm reduction services and provides men who use crystal an opportunity to become Peer Educators who promote safer sex and safer use in their community.

The Project tackles the myth that it is impossible to be under the influence of crystal and engage in safe sex and other behaviors that help to reduce the harmful effects of its use. The Speed Project is energized by the belief that current and former crystal users themselves are the most credible people to help others examine their use and consider steps that will reduce the potential harm of crystal use. Additionally, the Speed Project believes that shaming or stigmatizing men who use crystal decreases the likelihood that they will adopt sound health practices when they do use, or that they will seriously consider reducing or stopping their use.

The Speed Project celebrated the completion of a successful first year in July. The Project now provides a weekly harm reduction drop-in group, a monthly workshop on substance use and sex, a monthly social event, a network of over 20 volunteer Peer Educators who share information and resources about how to reduce risk and maintain better health, and a health promotion magazine called Speedometer that is produced by and for men who party with crystal.

The best way to understand the results of the project is to hear from one of our Peer Educators (Michael L.) in his own words:

Why did you get involved as a Peer Educator?

I have seen people who really needed some type of help, who won't go to an abstinence-only support group that shames people. So I saw something where I could contribute and use my experience and engage my life to make a difference.

How has your involvement as a Peer Educator impacted other guys?

Really positively. By reducing the shame factor that unfortunately exists out there for a number of us, what I'm seeing is that there is a growing of the community. We're starting to help each other.

How has your involvement impacted you?

It's become a cornerstone of a book that I am writing, called "There is Another Way." In terms of my recovery, creating a measurable impact is so life affirming to me that I really feel like I am at the controls and I am creating the life that I want to live. Without the Speed Project, I wouldn't have the opportunity to touch people that closely, or write about our success stories.

What do you think about the 'zine as a way to improve community health?

It's really smart. It is so key to starting a dialogue. It's the key that opens the door to walking out of the hall of shame. Once people see it, they start to take themselves seriously in terms of how they choose to engage crystal in their lives. And it starts an authentic dialogue. People's barriers drop immediately. The 'zine is a realistic approach to what really is going on without applying some value judgment about what people should be doing.

What has it been like attending the harm reduction group?

It has become a place where people can open up for a minute and talk about what is going on in their lives, and have that moment of understanding from other people. People come in, pick up some information, get condoms and lube, pizza and Gatorade, and are able to learn a couple of things. Most importantly they engage, in real time, an organization and a group of people that truly care. With this population who has been shamed so much, walking into the room, high or sober, and not being judged is a shock, but a good shock. When I am unconditionally welcomed by the folks in the Speed Project, the surprise of it jump starts my battery of self-respect. It reminds me I am worthy of self-respect and maybe I should start treating myself that way. That means no more judging myself, but instead figuring out a plan for myself so I am around to do things that are important to me.

To learn more about the Speed Project or participate in it, or to get information about other resources to help men address their use of crystal methamphetamine, contact the Speed Project at 415.788.5433.