Using chemicals can undo years of safer sex (whether it's alcohol, crystal meth, heroin, GHB, poppers, or cocaine).
When using, drugs often increase our confidence and lower our inhibitions, and the result is often a heck of a lot of sex without a heck of a lot of care for ourselves or for others. Sometimes guys use chemicals to give themselves permission to do things they normally wouldn't do, like bareback. Party and play (PNP) has been identified as one of the biggest risk factors for new HIV infections in the Twin Cities. If you're into PNP, party with friends that support you being safe. Or maybe you make it as easy as possible to use condoms - have them handy!
Make sure you stick to your limits. If your goal is to get high, stick to that and don't have sex. If your goal is to have sex, stick to that and don't get high.
Also, take some time to think about your triggers. Figure out when you have unsafe sex. Is it when you're drunk? When you're online? When you're tweaking? When you're depressed? When you're feeling lonely? Make a game plan to avoid triggers in your life while protecting your health and still enjoying your sex life.
For support around chemical health and your sexual health, connect with the HIM Program at 612.348.9100.