If you look at its name, chemsex is relatively self-explanatory – it is when “chems” (chemical substances i.e. drugs) meet sex, and they come together with the aim of intensifying sexual experiences in social or party settings. Chemsex parties (known as chillouts) have many purposes as they provide situations where sexual activities can go on for extended periods of time and opportunities for people to have experiences with multiple partners. There are no specific substances that you need to use for something to classify as chemsex, however, there are substances more commonly associated with it than others:

• Mephedrone (meph/m-cat): meph is a stimulant, i.e. it speeds up the central nervous systems functions and responses and is typically found as a white powder that can be snorted, swallowed (often in a capsule or wrapped in cigarette paper), or injected into a vein (slamming) or up the anus (booty bumps). Its effects vary, but in this context, mephedrone is primarily sought for the feelings of euphoria and heightened confidence it produces, along with a reduction in inhibitions. Additionally, it significantly increases sensitivity to touch and can enhance sexual arousal. However, meph carries a range of risks, including anxiety, paranoia, and agitation.
• Methamphetamine (crystal meth/tina): crystal meth is a stimulant, i.e. it speeds up the central nervous systems functions and responses, and can be found in either a smokable crystalline form or in tablet form for oral consumption. It induces heightened energy, alertness, and increased sexual arousal. The drug is also associated with significant negative effects, including paranoia, insomnia, and heightened aggression.
• GHB and GBL (G): Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a depressant medication, i.e. slows down brain activity and causes muscles to relax, and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is an industrial strength solvent. GBL is 2-3x stronger than GHB and they are typically consumed by carefully measuring doses with syringes or pipettes and mixing into a drink. In liquid form it can be added to things without someone consenting, like drinks and lube. When used, G produces feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and increased sexual arousal. However, it is important to be aware of the risks. If taken undiluted, G can cause severe chemical burns to the mouth and throat. Other negative effects may include dizziness, confusion, dependency, and nausea. Additionally, misuse or overconsumption can lead to dangerous sedation, respiratory depression, and loss of consciousness.

For more information on these or any other drugs, please click here. 

There is no barrier as to who can participate in chemsex as its primary purpose is to enhance sexual pleasure with drugs. However, there are individuals more commonly associated with chemsex practices and they are gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and this is for a multitude of reasons which are explained below.

There are many reasons why people choose to engage in chemsex so let’s focus on the different factors that influence why men who have sex with men (MSM) participate.

To lower inhibitions due to:

• Societal attitudes
• Cultural and religious beliefs
• Trauma and stigma of the AIDS pandemic

These listed factors can inhibit the ability of MSM to enjoy gay sex without the influence of substances due to the negative beliefs and stigma they promote. For example, parts of wider society still view gay sex with disgust and disdain, and inside the queer community there remains stigma around people living with HIV.

Psychosexual difficulties:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Premature ejaculation
• Performance and social anxiety
• Sexual experimentation

These factors influence someone’s ability to participate in sexual experiences even when it is something they want to do and are excited for. Therefore, by taking substances, the negative impact of these factors on participation and enjoyment reduces due to them lowering inhibitions and increasing sexual arousal.

Queer Culture

In some places of pleasure and subculture, urban gay identity has been built upon recreational drug use making it a significant component in queer culture and history. Therefore, engaging in chemsex can contribute to a person’s queer identity and sense of belonging.

Geo-spatial apps

• Grindr
• Scruff
• Gaydar
• Growlr

In 2009, online dating for queer people and MSM was revolutionised with the launch of Grindr which introduced the use of GPS location to display nearby profiles. Since then, these apps have become common place to advertise someone’s willingness and desire to participate in chemsex using specific emojis and acronyms on profiles.

Negative sexual health outcomes:

• Poor adherence to antiretroviral treatments (such as PrEP)
• Reoccurring STI’s from unprotected sex
• Increased risk of transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C
• Multiple and repeated use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Negative mental health outcomes:

• Increased risk of experiencing depression and anxiety in those participating
• Long-term substance use can cause drug-induced psychosis

Negative physical health outcomes:

• Cardiotoxicity = heart damage from drug use
• Neurotoxicity = brain damage from drug use
• Risk of developing drug addiction and dependency

Sex and relationships:

• Difficulties connecting to sober sex
• Issues surrounding consent during chemsex
• Friends and family may reject the practices

Sexual Safety:

• Set your boundaries when you are sober and make sure you communicate them
• Ensure you are completing STI testing regularly, these can be delivered to your home (if you are asymptomatic) or completed in ESHS clinics, find out more here (hyperlink to STI page of website)
• Consider taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to minimise the risk of HIV transmission, speak to your local sexual health service about commencing this treatment here. 
• If you think you have been exposed to HIV, contact your local sexual health service or A&E department as soon as possible to access PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV transmission.
• Ensure you maintain your daily medication if you are a person living with HIV

Drug Safety:

• If you start participating in chemsex, start low and slow. Your tolerance to drugs is going to be different to those who have been using them for a while; go at your own pace and start with low doses.
• Set boundaries when you are sober and make sure you communicate them.
• GBL and GHB will dissolve the dose markers off syringes, so protect these with clear tape or carefully score the marks into the syringe yourself.
• If you start injecting drugs, always use a new needle and never share. You can access injecting equipment and dispose of used equipment for free at Needle Exchange Programmes, often found at Drug and Alcohol Services and pharmacies.
• Educate yourself on what overdoses can look like and how to help in those situations.
• Maintain sober intimate and sexual relationships, as well as keeping in contact with friends and family.

Here are some tips that can help you to make positive changes if you want to reduce or stop participating in chemsex.

• Identify your triggers: try to document what you are feeling when you have the urge to seek out chillouts as well as the things that happened in your day to spark those feelings.
• Delete or change your profile on apps: change information on your dating profile to prevent others from messaging you about chems or delete the app from your phone if it was only something you used for chems
• Avoid certain activities or socials: take a break from social situations that might make sticking to your plan more difficult. This might be those where you consume alcohol or seeing certain friends you would attend chillouts with.
• Throw away your drug taking equipment to reduce how easily accessible chemsex is to you.
• Cleanse your contacts: delete and/or block any numbers of dealers on your phone and ask your friends to not share dealer numbers with you if you ask.
• Be realistic: goals can be daunting if they feel out of reach, so make them small and realistic.
• Try to be mindful: journal your thoughts down at the end or beginning of each day, or practice box breathing (4 seconds in – 4 second hold – 4 seconds out) to take the mental load off your brain.
• Be kind to yourself! Finding your own rhythm after a big change in lifestyle is hard, so show yourself some compassion.

You can access a ‘Chemsex Care Plan’ and other useful resources and information here.

You can access professional support for chemsex, including 1:1 and family support by emailing support@controllingchemsex.com

• If you suspect your drug use is becoming problematic (e.g. using outside parties and socials, getting into financial difficulties from buying drugs or alcohol, or worried about dependency) there are drug and alcohol services to help.
  • Open Road
  • The Children’s Society 
• You can access different recovery-based spaces in Essex: The Rainbow Café ( ) in Harlow is an LGBTQ+ space that can be used for recovery support, and multiple Recovery Spaces across Essex organised by the Essex Recovery Foundation.
  • Essex Recovery Foundation
• You can receive sexual health support, such as regular STI testing due to changes in partners or having unprotected sex, or access to pre or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) from ESHS or your local sexual health service.
  • Essex Sexual Health Service
  • Suffolk Sexual Health Service
• If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape here are local charities and organisations that can support you with your next steps.
  • Oakwood place
  • CARA