Practical advice for gay men who are concerned about drugs and alcohol

One in five gay men who take drugs say they wish they were more in control of the drugs they are taking. This section offers advice to gay men and their friends who are concerned that drugs or alcohol are becoming a little bit too important a part in their lives.

CONTENTS

Introduction:
• The cares of the world just fade away and you feel magnificent. But then what?

Safer drug use
• The ten-point plan for safer drug use

Taking stock
• Thinking about the drugs you use
• Drugs and their long-term effects

Staying in control of your drug-taking
• Give yourself a break from drugs
• Setting a goal for yourself
• Moods and moments - the times when you find it hard not to take drugs
• 'I want to take less drugs' - practical advice on cutting down

Safer sex on drugs
• Back to basics - HIV and safer sex
• The ten-point plan for safer sex on drugs
• I want to stop having unprotected sex

Getting away from it all
• Finding an alternative to the gay drugs scene ... just to socialise
• Finding places where you can just talk to other gay men

Looking after yourself
• If you have problems in your life - some organisations which may be able to help
• Building up your self-esteem
• Finding a boyfriend

Need some help?
• Where to find a counsellor
• Where to find the best drugs advice agency for you

Drinking too much?
• 'I want to cut down on drink' - practical tips on cutting down
• Alcohol advice agencies

Helping your friends
• How to help your friends stay in control of drink and drugs

Listings A-Z
• All of the advice and support organisations which can help you stay in control of drink and drugs