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Introduction
According to Genevieve N. Weber, in her article, "Using to Numb the Pain: Substance Use and Abuse Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals," Homosexuals have experienced prejudice based solely on who they are or are not attracted to. As everyday members of society, they are faced with all sorts of discrimination that has led to them being considered a high-risk minority. Homosexuals are found to have an increase risk of suicide, homelessness, physical and mental abuse by loved ones, psychological distress, HIV/AIDS, as well as substance abuse.

Causes for Addiction
The physical and emotional stress that occurs among homosexuals is referred to as minority stress. Homophobia and heterosexism are terms used to describe some of the stress that lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals experience living in an "anti-gay world. Homophobia is defined as an irrational, or discomfort felt by an individual when thinking about the behavior of homosexual, or bisexual relationships. Heterosexism is similar to racism and sexism in the sense that it is the ignorance of homosexual activity. Internal homophobia is the result of individuals experiencing anti-gay attitudes and negative views of self. Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame, rejection, feelings of low self-worth, and substance use are some frequent behaviors and emotions that are common among people who are suffering from internalized homophobia.

The physical and emotional stress that occurs among homosexuals is referred to as minority stress. Homophobia and heterosexism are terms used to describe some of the stress that lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals experience living in an "anti-gay world. Homophobia is defined as an irrational, or discomfort felt by an individual when thinking about the behavior of homosexual, or bisexual relationships. Heterosexism is similar to racism and sexism in the sense that it is the ignorance of homosexual activity. Internal homophobia is the result of individuals experiencing anti-gay attitudes and negative views of self. Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame, rejection, feelings of low self-worth, and substance use are some frequent behaviors and emotions that are common among people who are suffering from internalized homophobia.

In the path to forming a lesbian, gay or bisexual identity several stressors are present. The process inquires adopting a sexual identity outside of societal norms, and "restructuring one's self-concept," and creating a new relationship with the common society. As some find the stress to be intense due to the internalized homophobia and various other forms of emotional pain, the homosexual community maybe turn to the abuse of substances. The use may then lead to addiction. One of the biggest reasons for alcoholism being present in the gay and lesbian community is because gay bars are the easiest routes to the gay lifestyle for individuals comfortable, or still finding, their sexual identity

Types of Addiction
Methamphetamine is a drug that has many effects on the body. The drug may cause individuals to experience an increase in energy, a decrease in appetite and heightened senses. Methamphetamine also triggers a release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters that are let loose in the brain and affect the user psychologically. What follows after methamphetamine use is an increase in sexual desire, and a lessened tendency to refuse sexual advancements, and an increase in self confidence. These effects are what draw gay men to the drug, making methamphetamine the “gay drug,” of the modern era.

Although there has been behavioral research done on the West Coast, there is little research examining the motivations behind methamphetamine use. Common speculations for reasons behind the use of methamphetamine are that the drug is characterized as “sexual enhancing” and “self-medicating.” Sexual enhancing drugs such as methamphetamine are enticing to men because it relates to their want to take greater sexual risks and to see sex as more acceptable. Furthermore, it is common for HIV positive men to use methamphetamine because it provides an escape from their disease by temporarily feeling as sexually available as pre-HIV times

There is evidence showing that gay and lesbian persons are more likely to not abstain from alcohol than their heterosexual peers. Furthermore, lesbian women are more likely to become dependent on alcohol than heterosexual females. Research shows that that when being compared to heterosexual counterparts, " [homosexuals are] more apt to divert themselves with illegal drugs, more apt to have ever smoked daily, and more apt to have been involved in prostitution." .

Statistics
CSAT, dating back to 2001, makes a connection between homosexuality and substance abuse by pointing out four things. One, homosexuals are found more often to use alcohol and drugs than their heterosexual peers. Two, more frequently found to have a higher rate of substance abuse. Three, less likely to stop using, and four, homosexuals are more likely to remain heavy drinkers for their lifetime. Weber's article provides statistics showing that 20-25% of gay men and lesbian women abuse alcohol, compared to 3-10% of the heterosexual population. As far as drug use, more gay and lesbian persons use marijuana and cocaine than the general population. These results indicate that 56% of gays and lesbians use marijuana compared to 23% of the general population, and 20% of gays and lesbians use cocaine compared to 9% of the general population.

In evaluating the results, it is clear that shame is a big cause of pain for homosexuals. In one particular study 100% of the people involved attributed their addiction to shame. One woman even notes that she used drinking to hide the fact that she was gay. If she participated in any form of interaction with a female when intoxicated, she could attribute it to a mistake due to intoxication, and not because she was gay