Summer is the busiest time for the CAMPsafe program. Every weekend you will find the outreach team going from bar to bar talking to guys about safer sex and handing out some of our goodie packets. A few weeks ago, we were out and noticed an incredible number of men who were drunk or tweaked out on crystal. Imagine trying to engage some crystal queen about protecting themselves against becoming infected with a nasty STD! The message went right over their heads as they kept staring into space. I can tolerate a lot but living my life zoned out, no thank you.

Due to the nature of the resort community during the summer, drinking and drugs seem to be part of the gay scene more than ever. Many guys are using drugs and alcohol to help them relax and make socializing easier. I understand that the places we come to while we are at the beach on holiday are sexually charged environments! If anyone can appreciate it, I sure can! However, using drugs and alcohol to lower inhibition is a recipe for potential risk taking. They can lead to things we don’t necessarily do if we are sober and I am not talking about cow tipping.

The statistics about unsafe sex after drugs are disturbing. In the U.S., up to 30 percent of adults have unsafe sex as a result of drinking too much. Another survey says that nearly one in four teenagers and young adults questioned said that they had unprotected sex because they were using drugs and alcohol at the time.

I know blaming drugs and alcohol for the complete cause of unsafe sex is not fair but they play a big part. Drugs can impair your judgment and you may not know that your condom broke. You might even be too trashed too know if you or your partner has put a condom on. Drugs also cause our natural immunity to decrease making us more susceptible to disease and infection.

I am aware that drugs and alcohol will always play a part for many people when they are on holiday! I like my fair share of mojitos and expensive champagne. But, I know what my limits are and what risks I am willing to take—you should too. Here are some simple guidelines to follow on protecting yourself if you are going to be using drugs and alcohol when you come to the beach:

• Keep condoms and lube handy— condoms are the safest way to prevent getting HIV or passing it on.

• Be aware of how rough you can be—drugs have a pain-killing effect and you might act more aggressive than normal. Check on your condoms to make sure they don’t break. Keep things lubricated.

• Think personal safety—who are you going home with? Are you sure you know who you are going home with? If you are trashed, will you be able to look after your personal safety?

• Use more lube—your body will dehydrate a lot faster if you are trashed.

• Have better sex on less—drink might loosen you up, but drink too much and your spirit may be willing, but your flesh may wilt!

We’d like to thank the 41 people who took control of their health and got tested for HIV during our National HIV Testing days. We met our goal!! Thank you! We also want to thank the volunteers who helped us out and thanks to Double Dippers for providing free ice cream for those who came in and got tested.