Substance Use and Abuse and HIV Risk Bars have often functioned as “community
centers,” particularly for those who want to hide their involvement in a community of gay and lesbian people. Bars and clubs often still serve as prime social centers for people, straight and gay alike, to socialize, meet for dating, and/or to hook up to have casual sex. Many men have identified the values that alcohol oers, such as a lessening of anxiety and nervousness in order to feel more confident in meeting other men. In addition, alcohol and drugs can oer feelings of exhilaration, euphoria, disinhibition, and heightened sexual desire. Besides its value as a