Chemsex is the word for using particular drugs during sex. The NHS names three: methamphetamine, mephedrone and GHB or GBL.
Sessions often run longer than planned, with more partners than planned. The term is mostly used among some gay and bisexual men. It is not limited to them.
Source: Sexual Health Sheffield: chemsex
If someone is unwell right now
The NHS lists overdose, black-outs and unpredictable drug interactions among the risks. Someone who cannot be woken, has a seizure or stops breathing needs emergency care.
Stay with them and do not let them sleep it off. Tell the ambulance crew exactly what was taken, so they can treat it properly.
Sources: Sexual Health Sheffield: chemsex risks, NHS: alcohol poisoning
Two services that work with both halves
Most drug services are good at drugs and awkward about the sex. These two are built for the combination.
Runs chemsex.co.uk with information and one to one support, alongside the THT Direct helpline.
London Friend's drug and alcohol service for LGBTQ+ people, with two weekly drop-ins, one to one work and groups in London.
The number is London Friend's main office. Drop in or email to reach Antidote.
Outside London, your local drug and alcohol service takes self-referrals and will have seen this before. A sexual health clinic can also point you to what exists locally.
Source: NHS: drug addiction help
What talking support adds
The drugs are one problem. What sits underneath them is usually another, and it tends to surface once the sessions stop.
People bring shame, loneliness, HIV anxiety and sex that no longer works sober. Some bring an assault they have never told anyone about. Those are the parts a professional works on with you.
Finding someone who will not flinch
Ask directly whether they have worked with chemsex before. Ask whether they work with gay and bisexual men, and with non-monogamy.
A professional who answers those questions plainly is the one to book. Our guide to finding the right person covers what else to ask.
You might find it useful when
- The sessions have started costing you work, money or friendships
- You cannot have sex sober and that has begun to bother you
- You want to cut down rather than stop, and want help thinking it through
- Something happened during a session that you have not processed
- The comedown lands as depression rather than tiredness
Tell a professional what specialist support you already have. A good one will work alongside it and will say so.
Thanks for your interest. We're not taking on new clients at the moment.
Ready to talk about what sits underneath it?
We ask what matters to you, then find professionals who fit.
- Chemsex has taken over my weekends
- I cannot have sex sober any more
- I want to cut down but I do not want to lose the scene
- Something happened during a session that I have not processed
