April 9, 2020

Crystal, COVID-19 and our communities

In times of stress some of us who use crystal may use more crystal to cope. It’s normal to feel cravings when our everyday routines change. On the whole sexuality and gender diverse people use crystal more than the general population. Our use is not always harmful but can be harmful when we use too much in one sitting or if we use too frequently. If you find yourself using more crystal than usual, ACON has strategies to help you reduce harms, modify patterns of use, and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 while using crystal for sex.

In times of stress some of us who use crystal may use more crystal to cope. it’s normal to feel cravings when our everyday routines change. On the whole sexuality and gender diverse people use crystal more than the general population. Our use is not always harmful but can be harmful when we use too much in one sitting or if we use too frequently. If you find yourself using more crystal than usual, ACON has strategies to help you reduce harms and to modify patterns of use. Reducing the harms DON’T SHARE Using crystal with others is not recommended at this time but if you are using in a group don’t share pipes, injecting equipment or rolled bank notes/straws for snorting or baggies. Not sharing reduces the risk for transmission of COVID-19, HIV and hep C. AVOID POLY DRUG USE Often we might use multiple drugs in combination, this is dangerous as you don’t know what’s in your drugs, how strong they are or how they will interact with each other. If using alone in the time of COVID-19, be very careful if mixing your drugs. DON’T FORGET TO EAT AND STAY HYDRATED Make sure you’ve eaten before you start using, eat fresh fruit and drink water throughout, eat and rehydrate after your session. This will help with your comedown. START LOW, GO SLOW The strength of crystal can vary so start with a small dose and wait to feel effects before you take another. PLAN Set your limits before you use crystal, decide how much you will use, how long your session will be and set time aside for recovery. CUTTING BACK OR TAKING A BREAK IDENTIFY AND ACKNOWLEDGE CRAVINGS AND TRIGGERS If you want to cut back or take a break from crystal it’s good to recognise when we feel cravings or triggers so we can put a plan in place to manage them. DISTRACT YOURSELF If using crystal to cope with stress or boredom, listen to those feelings and respond to them in other ways: exercise, new hobbies, a new TV series, masturbate. PHONE A FRIEND Having a trusted friend who you can reach out to when you feel triggered can help. TRY MINDFULNESS There are apps to help begin mindfulness practice like Headspace or Smiling Mind. If you are ever concerned for your personal safety and need help do not hesitate to call 000 and ask for an ambulance, they are here to help not judge. WE’RE HERE FOR YOU: ACON provides confidential counselling to people in our communities seeking support in relation to their substance use. Contact ACON on (02) 9206 2000 or 1800 063 060 or go to acon.org.au. ACON’s alcohol and drug website pivotpoint.org.au is a valuable resource at this time. You can also get in contact with the Australian Drug Information Service (ADIS) by phoning 1800 250 015.

Crystal, sex and COVID-19 Some sexuality and gender diverse people who use crystal (ice, tina) combine crystal use with sex (‘chemsex’, ‘partying’, ‘PNP’). COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted infection but physical contact during sex carries a high risk of transmission and at this time, casual sex is strongly discouraged. Crystal is a drug that lowers our inhibitions and increases our sex drive. If using crystal be mindful that you might have a strong urge to seek out casual sex and this carries risk. If you use crystal in combination with sex and you are planning to use throughout COVID-19, think carefully about whether this is the right time to use and put some measures in place to decrease the chances of engaging in casual sex. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a persistent cough, shortness of breath and a high fever. You need to be especially careful if you have symptoms, have been close to anyone with symptoms or if you have been around a confirmed case of COVID-19 PLAN OTHER WAYS OF GETTING OFF If you intend to use crystal and you know this will make you horny, plan ways of getting off that don’t involve physical contact with casual partners. Why not delete your apps, tee up a date with a friend in another city and try online sex, sexting or phones sex? Be mindful of what you share online and always gain consent. Buy some toys and introduce self-pleasure and don’t forget good old masturbation! STAYING SAFE IF USING CRYSTAL ALONE Using alone reduces risk for COVID-19 but carries other health and safety risks. If using alone reach out to a trusted friend and communicate throughout your session. Agree on a plan for when they should come over or call for help, (either 000 or a trusted neighbor) if you do not respond. If you are ever concerned for your personal safety and need help do not hesitate to call 000 and ask for an ambulance, they are here to help not judge. IF USING CRYSTAL WITH OTHERS If you end up using crystal in a group and you are not having sex be mindful of strategies, you can use to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Don’t share pipes, injecting equipment, bank notes/straws for snorting or baggies. If you are having sex, Prepster.info has some information about how you can reduce your COVID risk. WE’RE HERE FOR YOU: ACON provides confidential counselling to people in our communities seeking support in relation to their substance use. Contact ACON on (02) 9206 2000 or 1800 063 060 or go to acon.org.au. ACON’s alcohol and drug website pivotpoint. org.au is a valuable resource at this time. You can also get in contact with the Australian Drug Information Service (ADIS) by phoning 1800 250 015.