Drug misuse
Dear Grindr Team,
I want to share my experience with your platform, both as a user and someone who has been in recovery from meth addiction for the past four months. Two years ago, I was introduced to meth through connections I made on Grindr. While I acknowledge that my addiction is not the fault of Grindr itself, the platform unintentionally enabled my use and subsequent addiction due to the ease with which drugs are promoted, sold, and accessed through bios and display names.
During one of my relapses, I had deleted all contact with drug dealers, but I was able to download Grindr again and access meth within 20 minutes. This highlights a concerning issue: Grindr can sometimes serve as an avenue for people struggling with substance abuse to connect with dealers, making recovery and sobriety even harder. For someone in recovery, this is incredibly triggering.
I believe Grindr could take a more active role in combating the promotion of drugs on the platform by monitoring and removing bios and display names that reference drug use or sales. This kind of intervention could go a long way in preventing harm. Additionally, I think it would be immensely helpful if Grindr provided users with resources or links to local support groups and services for drug and alcohol recovery. Even a small step like this could have a big impact on individuals who are struggling or seeking help.
Grindr is uniquely well-placed to provide targeted support for the community that uses its app. The platform has the potential to not only foster meaningful connections but also act as a resource for users navigating personal challenges like addiction and recovery. By taking these steps, Grindr could play a critical role in improving the well-being of its community.
Thank you for considering this feedback. I know Grindr has the potential to be a positive and safe space for connection, and I hope my experience sheds light on ways the platform can better support those navigating challenges like addiction and recovery.
Joshua Dunbar
shared this idea
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Margaret Grounds
commented
Thank you for sharing your experience. It takes a lot of courage to speak about addiction and recovery, and your suggestions could really help make the platform safer. Hopefully, Grindr considers implementing better monitoring and support resources for those in recovery. Wishing you strength on your journey!
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Hey Michael,
I am at the point where I had to block myself from even being able to download Grindr because, like you, I would delete all my contacts and think I was done—until a craving hit. Suddenly, I’d be making a new account, and within minutes, I was back in it. Meth thrives on impulsivity, and having instant access makes it so much harder to resist. I started using an app blocker so that, in those moments of weakness, I couldn’t act on impulse. It’s not foolproof, but it’s helped give me time to pause and rethink before making a decision I’d regret.
Something that’s really helped me is 12-step recovery fellowships like CMA (Crystal Meth Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). These groups have given me a space where I can talk to people who actually get it—people who have been through the same cycle and found a way out. Having a sponsor and a recovery community has made a huge difference in breaking the isolation that meth creates. If you ever want more information about meetings or how to get started, let me know—I’d be happy to help.
You’re not alone in this, and you’re definitely not the only one feeling trapped in the cycle. The fact that you recognize the pattern and are thinking about ways to stop it means you can find a way out. Keep fighting for yourself—you deserve a life free from this.
Stay strong. 💙
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Michael
commented
I agree 100%. I literally have been dealing with the same issue and I have relapsed multiple times becasue the app makes it so easy to find someone to buy from or whos willing to share. I think alot of people could really benefit from Grindr offering ways to combat the problem. I agree that the addiction is my fault but I feel the app is a easy gateway to relapsing or even trying a new drug. I have struggled with meth use and also have deleted and blocked every contact I had that associated with it but everytime I start to fiend for it I make an account or grindr and within an hour someone is either selling me meth or usuing it with me. Its destroying the community. It had ruined my life and my relationship and its not grindrs fault but I feel that they are a big voice in the community and could make a major impact on combatting the drug use.