San Franciscans Blow Off Tina?

The rate of crystal meth use by gay and bisexual men in San Francisco is down nearly 50% from levels seen two years ago, according to San Francisco organization Stop AIDS Project. Its study shows that about 10% of the nearly 4,200 men surveyed said they had used the drug in the previous six months, down from the 18% reporting meth use in 2003. Agency officials say several factors may be contributing to the decline, including citywide prevention campaigns, harm-reduction programs, and negative experiences by meth users. Studies have shown crystal meth users are as much as three times more likely to be infected with HIV than nonusers and that gay men commonly have unprotected sex while using the drug.