Dallas Bragg describes crystal meth use among gay men that happens alone, not at parties. Some create a "Tina room" where they spend 36 to 48 hours masturbating while high. He treats it as an escape from pain, starting with abstinence and a healthier replacement before moving to therapy for long-term skills.
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.
