UNIQUE BRUTHAS UNITED 3 MV PLUS Darrin Aiken

UNIQUE BRUTHAS UNITED 3 MV PLUS Darrin Aiken – Program Coordinator Christopher Jackson – Prevention Training Specialist

Substance abuse and Gay men

Objectives � � � � Brief overview of AIDS Project Los Angeles Health &Wellness Center Many Men Many Voices Intervention Substance abuse and Gay men Stigma Disclosure What can we do better Epidemiology about substance abuse and HIV trends

APLA Health & Wellness Center

Substance abuse and Gay men � � � � Alcohol Chrystal Meth Crack Heroin Ecstasy Marijuana Pills

Why we do the things we do Things on the Inside q Values & Self Standards/Identity q Attitudes and beliefs q Emotions q Intentions q Perception of Risk Things on the Outside q Social norms: Family/Culture/ Religious/Peer q Social Influence: Racism & Homophobia q Social Support q Sexual Relationship Dynamics

Stigma � � � Shame Guilt Rejection � Family � Community � Peers � Sexual Relationships � Institutions

Disclosure � Issues � Fear of not being accepted � Continuing using � Health � Barriers � Treatment Center /Workplace /Family / Community � Legal � Disclosing sexuality

Disclosure � In Treatment � Practice Self Honesty � Build Trust � Support from Peers � Support Groups � Treatment Medical �Mental Health Social � In Recovery � Opening up to new way living � Support from the fellowship � Support from family friends � Acceptance or not from a sex partner

What can do better or differently Discussion � Offer HIV/STD Education and Testing � Accompany Positive Residents to Healthcare � Have Specific Counselors are aware and connect to HIV Resources � Support and Encourage Clients to Stay in Treatment � All Staff Members Receive Updated HIV Information and Training � Cultural /Sensitivity Information for Residents

Trends � Drug Use � HIV � Alcohol � Black and Latin Men � Methamphetamines � Higher Infection Rates � Crack � Weed Undiagnosed HIV infections � Pills � Testing � Heroin � � Not In Care

AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES � Health & Wellness Center � Open two years � Provide rapid HIV Testing and Counseling � Prevention Programs Mpowerment DICE LIVES TND Crystal Meth Harm Reduction LINKS Mental Health Program Positive Connections and Positive Changes Unique Bruthas United

ANY QUESTIONS? Darrin Aiken – 323. 329. 9903 – Daiken@apla. org