Drugs, sexuality and the street context among youth in Montreal
Several studies have documented the impact of drug use on the sexual health of street-involved youth. However, few studies have documented, from their perspective, the role of drug use in their romantic and sexual experiences. This article aims to 1) understand the meaning that street-involved youth who use drugs give to their romantic and sexual experiences, and 2) describe the role of drug use in romantic and sexual experiences of street-involved youth. Fourteen street-involved youth (8 women, 6 men) aged 19-27 years who reported intensive experiences of drug use were interviewed. The qualitative analysis shows that drug use is an overwhelming and disqualifying experience that takes over all of their daily activities. Given the urgency to meet their consumption needs, these youth feel compelled to bargain their sexuality to get money quickly. While some participants indicated that the drug use is an experience of romantic and sexual encounters, most of them mention, however, that the influence of the drug use prevents the development of a romantic relationship. Contrary to studies that focus on sexual risk, this study highlights the complex relationship between drug use by youth and instrumentalization of their romantic and sexual experiences in the street context.