67th Annual Conference

Friday, February 26

Session 211

Group Work with Gay Men who Use Crystal Meth: Filling the Void

Presented under the auspices of the AGPA SIG for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues

Presenters:        

Kurt Mohning, M.S.W., B.S., Psychotherapist, Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, Illinois

Lisa J. Rivitz, LCSW, CADC, Program Manager, Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, Illinois

This workshop presents a model for working with Gay Crystal Methamphetamine abusers in a group setting.  Methamphetamine users  present with certain characteristics, such as narcissistic vulnerability and a history of trauma. This workshop will help therapists understand this population by addressing both the substance use and the problematic personality characteristics.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Differentiate how substance abuse for gay male crystal meth users differs from the traditional treatment model.

2. Specify techniques to enhance client's motivation to change.

3. Practice LGBT sensitivity skills in group.

Course References:

Kurtz, S. P. (2003). Post-Circuit Blues: Motivation and Consequences of Crystal Meth Use Among Gay Men in Miami.  Aids and Behavior, Vol. 9 No.1, March 2005. p63.

Robinson, C. M. (1996). Alcoholics Anonymous as seen from the Perspective of Self Psychology. Smith College Studies in Social Work, Vol. 66 (2) p129-145.

Shoptaw, S. (2003). Psychiatric and Substance Dependence Co morbidities, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Risk Behaviors Among Methamphetamine Dependent Gay and Bisexual Men Seeking Outpatient Drug Abuse Treatment. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, May 2003 Supplement 1 Vol. 35, p161 8p.