Event-level patterns of methamphetamine and poly-drug use among millennial sexual minority men: the [masked for reviewers] study

Abstract Introduction Knowledge on methamphetamine use among a new generation of sexual minority men (SMM) is limited. This study describes the event-level patterns of methamphetamine use and characteristics of methamphetamine users across time among Millennial SMM emerging into adulthood. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in two waves: 2009–2014 (Wave I) and 2014–2019 (Wave II) in the New York City metropolitan area. A total of 600 Millennial SMM ages 18–19 years were recruited for Wave I. A total of 665 SMM ages 22–23 years were recruited for Wave II, of which 41.2% (n = 274) were retained from Wave I. The Timeline Followback assessment was conducted every six months to record event-level drug use in the 30 days prior to the visit. Results A total of 5.4% of participants of between the ages of 18–27 reported methamphetamine use throughout the study period. The average number of days of methamphetamine use was significantly higher among racial/ethnic minority men in Wave II (F = 4.34, p = 0.0029). We found methamphetamine use occurred more often on weekend days and same-day use of methamphetamine occurred most often with cannabis and gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Usage of methamphetamine was significantly greater among SMM in Wave II who by design were older than Wave I. Conclusion We have identified differences in methamphetamine use by race/ethnicity. Weekend use and poly-drug use were common among methamphetamine-using SMM. Data indicate differential use in the population and that attempts to address this addictive behavior must be linked to other drug use and socialization among young SMM.