Chemsex is the term used to refer to the use of drugs such as Crystal Meth, GHB and Mephedrone to enhance sex. These drugs are chosen because they help to reduce inhibitions and increase libido. Each drug has different effects which when combined can enhance the experience of sex but can also increase risk. Find out more about Chemsex, how to stay safe and where to get support.
Chemsex is the term used to describe the use of drugs to facilitate sex. These involve using chems with others, usually at a private residence and can involve both 1-2-1 and group sex. People engage in chemsex for various reasons. Chemsex is common in the context of chemsex parties / ‘chillouts’ where people have sex with others who are using the drugs, or meet people on apps and have sex with one or more people in their own homes. Chems are also used in sex on premises locations, such as saunas and sex clubs.
The following drugs are commonly used:
- Methamphetamine / Crystal meth / Tina which is a stimulant.
- Mephedrone also known as meph, drone or meow meow / M-Cat which is also a stimulant.
- GHB and GBL also known as G, geebs and liquid ecstasy which are sedatives.
Chemsex may also include the use of other drugs including cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and alcohol. Each drug has different effects which when combined can enhance the experience of sex but can also increase risk.
Although for some people, the use of chems can be fun and enjoyable, it can be difficult for others to retain feelings of control around using them. It is very easy for people to lose control of their chems use. For many, using chems can result in a range of challenging outcomes across different areas of life. This can include negative impacts on health, emotional wellbeing, work, or family and social relationships. From a healthcare perspective we would always advise that it is safest not to take unknown or illicit drugs at all. However, we know that taking recreational drugs is common as it can be something that people enjoy as part of their social lives.
If you are thinking about using chems or have already decided to do so it is important that you are informed of the risks involved and how to be as safe as possible. We refer to this as harm minimisation/risk reduction. For example:
- ‘Safer’ dosing/timing of G
- Not mixing alcohol or ketamine with G
- Not sharing needles if injecting or ‘slamming’ Crystal Meth
- When to seek medical intervention for both yourself and others
Chemsex has also been linked to higher rates of STIs, including HIV. We would always recommend people take PrEP or maintain their daily HIV medication if they are already living with HIV, and we encourage people to test every 3 – 6 months for STIs.
Buckinghamshire Sexual Health and Wellbeing (sexualhealthbucks.nhs.uk) – a free, confidential sexual health service for Buckinghamshire residents. Please call 0300 303 2880 to arrange to speak with a health visitor.
Home – One Recovery Bucks – a confidential, free and easy-to-access service to anyone living in Buckinghamshire impacted by their own or someone else’s use of alcohol and drugs.
Here4YOUth, Buckinghamshire – Cranstoun – advice, support and guidance for young people on drug and alcohol use.
Chemsex: Staying Safe and Getting Back in Control | WithYou (wearewithyou.org.uk) – a drug, alcohol and mental health charity.
Mindfulness Based Chemsex Recovery (MBCR) Programme 2024 (spectra-london.org.uk) – free support for sexualised use of drugs and alcohol.
Info | Chemsafe.Space – an evolving digital resource supporting individuals and communities engaging in chemsex.