An exploratory study on drug use in gay men from three geographical areas of Mexico

Abstract

Drug use in gay men (GM) in Mexico has been explored mainly from an epidemiological perspective with little research on the impact on well-being, particularly due to consumption dynamics and the sociocultural elements that may intervene in the process. Objective: To analyze drug use and its implications for the well-being of gay men in Mexico. Methods: Three focus groups were held in May 2022 with 19 middle-class gay men from Mexico’s northern, central, and southern regions through the Zoom videoconference platform. With the information collected, a content analysis was carried out investigating the following categories: types of substances consumed, frequency, causes, changes in the form of consumption, and effects on well-being. Results: The participants reported low consumption of tobacco or alcohol compared to that of other substances such as inhaled nitrites (poppers), crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, and cocaine. Four environments were identified based on the journey and changes in consumption patterns: the environment of initiation drugs, that of recreational drugs, that of drugs for sexual practices, and that of drugs for greater sexual pleasure. Four aspects related to the motivations for drug use were identified: the family context on drugs, homophobia, HIV diagnosis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, three main effects on well-being linked to the use of drugs for sexual practices, particularly crystal methamphetamine, are reported: security and violence, social relationships, and health. The findings are discussed within the context of the Set and Setting and Minority Stress theoretical frameworks. Conclusions: Drug use in this population needs to be approached from a multidimensional perspective, considering the sociocultural specificities determining how it is carried out.