Area expects to see more meth (Connecticut)

Experts are watching spread of drug use

BY KANYA BALAKRISHNA
Staff Reporter

The distance between New York and New Haven, a mere 80 miles, may seem like a long way to some. But when it comes to the spread of drug use, it may not be far enough.

Scientists have started to link the use of crystal methamphetamine to the spread of HIV and AIDS, particularly in African American and Hispanic gay males, The New York Times reported last week. But while this pattern can be seen in a growing number of cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Des Moines, it has been slow to reach New Haven.

Dr. Merrill Singer of the Hartford-based Hispanic Health Council said he is just beginning to see methamphetamine come into gay clubs in his city.

"I think the spread of meth into Connecticut is a story, but we are at the beginning of the story," he said.

But Singer said that based on the rapid patterns in other parts of the country, increased use of methamphetamines in New Haven's minority communities could occur much more quickly than anticipated.

Dietra Hawkins, a research psychologist with the Yale School of Medicine's Program on Recovery and Community Health, said the link between methamphetamine and HIV is a frightening combination, but a focus on other at-rest groups has kept New Haven from paying much attention to the issue. Still, she said it is important for the city to be aware that this new problem could pose a serious threat in the near future.

See the rest of this story at:
http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=32100