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Berlin GW, Fulcher K, Taylor K, Nguyen T, Montiel A, Moore D, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ. Links Between Childhood Abuse, Insidious Trauma, and Methamphetamine Use Across the Lifespan Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Analysis. J Homosex 2023; 70:3192-3212. [PMID: 35759650 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2089075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developmental and lifespan examinations of methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) remain limited. We used a feminist trauma framework to examine potential links between childhood trauma, trauma-related stressors, and methamphetamine use among GBM. From June 2018 to October 2018, semi-structured interviews (N = 33) were conducted with GBM across British Columbia. Interviews focused on sexual experiences, support services, and methamphetamine use. Using thematic analysis, two overarching trauma-related themes were identified: developmental and insidious trauma and coping with trauma-related stressors. GBM's methamphetamine use co-occurred with childhood experiences of family- and peer-perpetrated heterosexism, childhood sexual abuse, and intersecting forms of oppression/marginalization. These experiences manifested as internalized shame, interpersonal anxiety, and low self-esteem. In adulthood, participants reported difficulty managing emotions, low self-confidence, and loneliness. GBM reported using methamphetamine to manage negative emotions, life stressors, and overcome barriers to interpersonal connection. Findings indicate a need for trauma-informed interventions that address underlying issues and help GBM cultivate supportive relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Berlin
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K Fulcher
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - K Taylor
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T Nguyen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Montiel
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Hull
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - N J Lachowsky
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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