What is Chemsex?
Chemsex means engaging in sexual activity while under the influence of 3 specific drugs. Chemsex is mostly practices by men who have sex with men.
- Why do people take part in chemsex.
People take part in chemsex for different reasons. Some people take part in chemsex to feel less inhibited and to enhance pleasure. Other reasons for taking part in chemsex are associated with feelings of stigma and issues around self-esteem.
There may be individuals who are not men who have sex with men who use drugs as part of their sex lives, but the term chemsex refers to a practice with a specific history and culture.
- What drugs do people take when engaging in Chemsex:
There are three specific drugs usually involved:
- Methamphetamine is a stimulant. It's also known as crystal meth, crystal, meth, tina and crank.
- Mephedrone is a stimulant too. It's know as meph, drone or meow meow.
- GHB and GBL are sedatives. Their full names are gammahydroxybutyrate and gammabutyrolactone, and they're also known as G, gina, geebs and liquid ecstasy.
- Why do people take part in chemsex?
People take part in chemsex for different reasons. Some people take part in chemsex to feel less inhibited and to enhance pleasure. Other reasons for taking part in chemsex are associated with feelings of stigma and issues around self-esteem.
- What are the risks of Chemsex?
There are potential risks of Chemsex, just as there are with most types of drug use and sexual activity, these can include;
- Increased sexual disinhibition – extreme behaviour and more risk taking than you otherwise would, resulting in increased STI risk and infection
- Extended sex for many days/hours – sometimes multiple partners, multiple times over several days which can result in physical trauma
- Drug interactions that can be serious and difficult to predict, overdose (which can be fatal), paranoia, psychosis and black-outs
- Not being able to consent to sex while under the influence of chems
- Injection related infections – including increased risk of Hepatitis C infections
- Serious short and long term impact including chronic depression, anxiety, weight loss, paranoia and psychosis
- Loss of lifestyle stability
- Reliance of chems during sex and reduced ability to engage in ‘sober’ sex
- How can I make Chemsex safer?
It’s natural to want to explore sex in all its forms. If you decide to try Chemsex or already do so regularly there are steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.
- Before and after engaging in Chemsex, it can be a good idea to get tested for STIs.
- Before taking any drugs, it’s a good idea to discuss protection to avoid STIs or unplanned pregnancy. Condoms are one of the best protections against both. However, you can also use other forms of contraception and HIV preventions including Prep and Pep.
- Discuss consent and boundaries, it’s important to ensure all partners consent to the range of sexual activity you may enjoy together. This is best done before taking drugs so you are in the right mindset and you can set out your boundaries.
- Make sure you don’t feel pressured to take drugs while having sex.
- Chemsex should be your decision.
- It’s important to trust the person or people you’re having sex with, whether it’s Chemsex or any other sexual activity.
- Limit the frequency with which you engage in Chemsex to avoid building up a drug dependency.
- Sex should be fun and exciting. If you choose to try Chemsex, make sure you stay mindful, vigilant and safe.
- Where can I get support to reduce my Chemsex or stop all together?
St Helens sexual Health provides a safe non-judgemental service where you can talk openly to us about any chemsex you may be having or considering. If you are engaging in chemsex our advice includes:
- Screen for STIs regularly including HIV and Hepatitis C
- Ask us for information about vaccinations and PrEP eligibility
- If you are uncertain about safer injecting practices please contact the https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs/chemsex-drugs
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, including being unable to consent to sex during Chemsex and you wish to report it to the police – all allegations of crime are taken seriously and sexual assaults are dealt with sensitively by specially trained officers. A person will be asked if they have taken or used drugs or alcohol – mainly to make sure they are feeling well enough to give a proper account of what happened, and legally agree to a medical examination.
You can find out more about Chemsex and Chemsex support by visiting:
https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs/chemsex-drugs
or visiting