Studies have shown that sub-populations within the LGBT community exhibit more alcohol and drug use than their heterosexual counterparts. Even as society becomes increasingly accepting of LGBT individuals, the bar has historically been a safe place to meet and mingle and has become a central feature of gay social life.
One in four men who have sex with men (MSM) says he binge drinks, compared with one in seven adults in the general population. Aside from the more obvious dangers of binge drinking, such as injury or death due to falls, drunk-driving accidents, or alcohol poisoning, binge drinking has also been shown to increase high-risk sexual behavior that can lead to transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
MSMs who binge drink are twice as likely to report having five or more sex partners in the past year, compared to non-drinking MSMs. In some segments of the MSM community, binge drinking may reduce condom use during receptive anal sex the highest risk act for transmission of HIVfrom 86% to 65%.
Alcoholism is also more prevalent in the LGBT population than in the general population. Excessive alcohol use can result in damage to the liver, high blood pressure, increased risk of certain cancers and depression.
Here is an assessment to find out if you are at risk for a drinking problem:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-use/MH00123
Be well,
Peter Pointers
Peter Pointers is an online, gay health educator and is assisted by a group of qualified health specialists who work as a team to answer your health questions. Check out Peter's Question/Answer forum at www.lifelube.org/experts.php for more pointers and to ask your own questions.