Freedom Rings Expands Its Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment Program for the Gay Community

Freedom Rings Expands Its

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment Program for the Gay Community

Jacksonville, Florida, September 25, 2009 - Freedom Rings, Lakeview Health Systems’ addiction treatment component established for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, announces that its programs are growing in response to the increasing demand for crystal meth addiction treatment.

Numerous media outlets are reporting that the illicit drug crystal meth is ravaging the GLBT population. One article in the Los Angeles Times for example, reported that the use of crystal meth use among the gay community was twenty times greater than the general population¹. 

Crystal meth, also known as Tina, Crystal, speed, zip, Cristy and meth, is a methamphetamine that causes a sense-numbing euphoria accompanied by excessive energy and hyperactivity. Crystal meth can be snorted, smoked or injected. Crystal meth is considered a club or party drug because it is frequently used as a way to fuel night-long dancing and partying.

Experts cite several theories as to why the use of crystal meth is so prevalent in the gay community. Many believe that people use the drugs as a coping mechanism for dealing with homophobia or other social stigmas. A person may also use crystal meth as a way to “self-medicate” and deal with the stress, anxiety or depression that can accompany hiding their sexual orientation from family, friends and co-workers.

Crystal meth is addictive and has many serious side effects. Crystal meth can cause heart palpitations, dehydration, reduced appetite, paranoia and hypertension. Frequent or high doses of the drug can cause seizures, heart attack, stroke and death. Since crystal meth also decreases inhibitions and increases libido, it is not uncommon for a person using the drug to engage in risky sexual behaviors. This fact has linked the use of crystal meth to the transmission of the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. The L.A. Gay & Lesbian reported that in 2006, 43% of all new HIV infections reported at their center were individuals who had used meth².

To meet the growing need for crystal meth addiction treatment geared specifically for the GLBT community, Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida, has expanded its Freedom Rings component by adding more services and staff. Lakeview is a licensed and accredited inpatient treatment center providing detox, individual and family therapy, nutritional counseling, dual diagnosis treatment and other services found in most high quality addiction treatment centers. Freedom Rings is a complementary treatment component that provides members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community the opportunity to participate in specialized groups and sessions which focus on their unique needs.

Jonathan Huttner of Lakeview Health Systems said that at Freedom Rings, “patients can openly talk about their feelings.  Long-term recovery can only be achieved if a person is allowed to truly express themselves without fear or shame. At Freedom Rings, we are expanding our services to ensure that each of our patients has a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment to work on their recovery and heal their mind, body and spirit.”

For more information about Freedom Rings and the other addiction treatment programs and services offered at Lakeview Health Systems, call 1-800-231-1820 or visit http://www.lakeviewhealth.com/.