Dallas Bragg describes how crystal meth use among gay men often happens alone in what users call a "Tina room": porn, lube, toys, and 36 to 48 hours of continuous activity. He outlines a four-step recovery approach starting with clearing the brain enough to think straight, then replacing the drug escape with something healthier.
You know, I talk a lot about the partying aspect of crystal among men who have sex with men, but there is a higher proportion of men who are using in isolation. They will create their own Tina room with never-ending porn on the TV, lube, their toys nearby, and for the next 36 to 48 hours, it's just them on the bed jerking their dick. Often this happens with men who started with the party scene but grew tired of being let down. There are those who only know this way of using, Tina, because it is their way of escaping life. What started as almost a hobby has now become a maladaptive coping mechanism to handle stress in their life. And for some, it is a grossly just bad habit. No matter the reason, it has become a part of their life they don't want anymore, but can't seem to break free because overall what I've helped men do is find some other way to escape. Yes, ultimately you want to find a natural and healthy way to face your pain, learn ways to emotionally regulate, etc., but you can't expect it all at once. First, we have to get your brain free of meth long enough so that you are thinking clearly enough to learn new skills. So we will replace the escape with another escape. Then, after working with me to attain abstinence, for a length of time, I will send you off to a therapist so you can learn those other skills.
