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Partying to Death: Drug Abuse and Gay Nightlife Culture

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Gay men in America currently enjoy more freedom and acceptance than at any time in our nation’s history. But while not everyone in the gay community is willing to admit it, there is a significant “party” culture that inhabits the homosexual community in America and still lies outside the mainstream of American culture. While this is not a problem in and of itself, high levels of drug abuse and drug addiction are common among these nightlife scenes – where a more hedonistic spirit dominates the environment.

The Origins of Gay Drug Use

For many young gay men, the use of drugs begins in the teenage years. This is a time of great confusion and emotional pan for many gay men who are struggling with isolation from family and friends because of their sexuality. Society places a great deal of pressure on young gay men who have not yet come out of the closet. Confused and lacking guidance or support, many will turn to drugs as a means of self-medicating their pain.

This creates a series of bad habits that can continue on well into adulthood. And when that gay man comes of age in a community with a heavy night-life scene – and drugs available at every turn – they will be that much more likely to abuse or become addicted because of their background.

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