Latino Gay Men's Drug Functionality: The Role of Social Networks and Social Support

Abstract

This study describes the consequences of drug use and abuse across Latino gay men's (LGM) lives. We also explore the role social networks play in LGM's access to drug use, as well as identifying the role of social support in regulating drug intake. Using a thematic content analysis, we analyzed a subsample (n = 16) of the interviews. Results suggest LGM's drug functionality varies according to their involvement in non-drug and drug-present social networks, with functional drug users reporting less convergence of their social networks than their drug-abusing counterparts. Furthermore, participants voiced being able to regulate their drug intake better when social support was available in their networks. These findings suggest the importance of developing preventative and harm reduction programs with strong social networks and social support components.