The Politics of Crystal Meth: Gay Men Share Stories of Addiction and Recovery [Paperback]

Kenneth Cimino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 9, 2005

A non-profit executive, governmental employee, financial advisor, travel agent, student, fashion designer - what these gay men have in common is a knowledge of pain, obsession, despair, degradation, and finally freedom from the one element that connects their stories: crystal meth use. Dr. Ken Cimino reveals the intimate and horrifying nature of meth abuse and presents ten inspiring true life dramas of meth use and recovery in The Politics of Crystal Meth: Gay Men Share Personal Stories of Addiction and Recovery. In part one he illustrates the varied reasons why gay men use methamphetamines, from gay oppression to homophobia to building self esteem to HIV issues. In the second part of the book he shares ten personal and motivating stories of meth use and recovery. In The Politics of Crystal Meth: Gay Men Share Personal Stories of Addiction and Recovery, experts such as Kathy Rebak, Walter Odets and Luciano Colonna talk about issues and problems created by gay men who use meth. Gay men addicts bear a social stigma that straight men don't, for example, making it hard for them to admit their addiction and seek treatment. The Politics of Crystal Meth also answers the difficult questions, "Am I an addict?" and "To whom do I turn?" It describes the principles of the most successful treatment programs and lists the experts currently bringing help to gay men who have meth and other addiction problems. The Politics of Crystal Meth will educate you, possibly scare you, and alert you to meth addiction as experienced by ordinary, respectable, average gay men. Whether you think you may be an addict, know someone or love someone who is, or work with gay addicts, this book offers self help through understanding and support.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Cimino has written for numerous publications including Advocate.com, GFN and CBS Marketwatch. His first non-fiction manuscript, Gay Assimilation: The Group Consciousness of Gay Conservatives, is forthcoming next year. He is a graduate of Claremont Graduate University with a Ph.D. in Political Science and also has a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Universal Publishers (November 9, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158112452X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581124521
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #968,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is time that you knew, November 25, 2005

By 

latransplant "Darryl" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Politics of Crystal Meth: Gay Men Share Stories of Addiction and Recovery (Paperback)

This is a book that is seperated into 2 parts. Many people will not be able to identify with the first half because of the sometimes very technical subject matter. But what we cannot afford to ignore is the second half. The stories so willingly shared by a group of people who hit bottom. With nothing else to lose, these addicts experienced a moment of clarity and started clawing their way back up. If you are an addict, know one, were one or just want to know....THIS BOOK IS A MUST.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Stories Rock!, November 25, 2005

By 

Tina "Tina" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Politics of Crystal Meth: Gay Men Share Stories of Addiction and Recovery (Paperback)

I saw this book being advertised all over the place on gay sites. I loved the stories. The stories about Robbie, Dave, Stuart, Corey, and Darryl. I could identify with each one of them in some ways. Reading this book made me realize I was not alone in my addiction. So much of how I felt was based on shame and fear of talking about meth use. This book gets the gay community talking. You know sometimes I feel the gay community almost encourages drug use. But this book gave me hope of sobriety and sanity. Thank You!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for People who want to know about Meth Addiction, November 27, 2005

By 

S. Coleman "Stuart" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Politics of Crystal Meth: Gay Men Share Stories of Addiction and Recovery (Paperback)

This book is pivotal for anyone who wants to know what it is like for someone in the new millenium to suffer through meth addiction. The first few chapters explore commentary and "reasons" per say about why gay men choose Meth. But the stories at the back of the book are the ones that capture the true feeling of growing up gay in America and how addiction can take a hold of ones life and rip them apart as well as the ones that they love and love them.
It is highly recommended for someone suffering with addiction, families and loved ones who may be witnessing this now and those who have been fortunate to come through the otherside.
As stated above....A Must Read!!