Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has today launched a new interactive website for gay men about recreational drugs, alcohol and sex (www.tht.org.uk/drugfucked). ‘Drugfucked’ gives the low-down on the effect that recreational drugs can have, how they can interact with HIV medication and looks at how the use of some recreational drugs can lead to riskier sex.

‘Drugfucked’ also provides information on the legality of recreational drug use and has a resident drugs counsellor called Steve who can answer questions about drug use. Asking a question is anonymous and confidential, all you have to do is type your question on the website. A unique code will be generated which the visitor then enters a few days later to pick up the answer to their question.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion at THT said: “A cup of coffee to perk you up, a cigarette to calm down, or a glass of wine after a hard day - the reality is that nearly everyone uses some sort of non-prescription drug. ‘Drugfucked’ is specifically aimed at gay men because it’s a fact that many gay men take drugs and we wanted a website where men can pick up clear and accurate information on drug use.”

Marc adds: “Taking recreational drugs can mean taking more risks with your sexual health, because some drugs like ecstasy and cocaine can lower inhibitions making unsafe sex more likely. We hope 'drugfucked' helps gay men get accurate information about drugs so they don’t have to rely on rumours to make their choices.”

In addition to the 'Drugfucked' website, THT has a series of ‘drugfucked’ booklets available. The booklets are available in THT regional centres, GUM clinics and can be ordered from www.tht.org.uk/publications.

Alongside the ‘drugfucked’ website and booklets, THT also provides one-to-one substance misuse and addictions counselling service in the London area. If you want more information, or wish to see a counsellor, please contact the Wellbeing Service on 020 7812 1777.

To find out more about 'drugfucked' visit www.tht.org.uk/drugfucked

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Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services across England, Wales and Scotland.  The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual ill health.

• The ‘drugfucked’ booklets include: acid, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth, ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, poppers, speed, steroids and viagra.

• Figures from the National Gay Men’s Sex Survey (2005) highlights widespread drug use among some gay men. Men who use drugs have a higher number of unprotected anal intercourse partners, are most likely to have sero-discordant unprotected anal sex, and are least likely to use condoms for anal sex. The National Gay Men’s Sex Survey is the world’s largest annual survey of sex between men. It is undertaken as part of the Department of Health funded CHAPS programme. Findings from previous years can be accessed at www.sigmaresearch.org.uk