Chemsex is a broad term used to describe the phenomenon of intentional sexual activity that takes place under the influence of psychoactive drugs. In particular, drugs that intensify, enhance, and prolong the sexual experience.
"Chems" was a term used to communicate with drug suppliers by individuals wanting to engage in Chemsex.
There are many risks related to engaging in Chemsex, or partaking in a so-called Chemsex party. While the prospect of enhanced sexual intensity and experience might seem favourable to some, the risks are very high
Some of the dangerous factors associated with Chemsex include but are not limited to:
Chemsex parties are different for everyone, but they all have one thing in common: the use of illicit drugs to enjoy sex. Substance use contributes to risky sexual behaviours that turn into regret later down the line.
The drug is taken before and during sexual activity and sometimes amongst multiple sexual partners. Loss of inhibitions due to the chemical intoxication of crystal meth and/or other drugs, high-risk sexual behaviours increase dramatically. People have sometimes described the sexual sessions and sex parties as fuelled by drug use leading to rougher sex and practically zero sexual boundaries.
Though Chemsex is most prevalent in specific groups and communities, with time, prevalence of the trend increased, and so did the dangers associated. More and more people are willing to use drugs to enhance their intimate relationships. As a result, more individuals risk contracting HIV, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, or other sexually transmitted infections or other health and mental conditions associated with drug use and sex.
Certain drugs are closely associated with sexual settings, for example, cocaine or Viagra. Chemsex, however, is indicated by using at least one of a group of three main drugs: Methamphetamine (crystal meth), Mephedrone, and GHB/GBL.
These drugs are commonly used in combination with each other, and sometimes with a range of other substances, especially the so-called club drugs such as MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and cocaine. While some people may avoid mixing drugs when engaging in Chemsex, others prefer mixing party drugs and chems to heighten the effects and experience.
The main specific drugs most typically associated with chemsex are:
Methamphetamine, often known as crystal meth, is a potent stimulant. When people inject crystal meth or smoke it, it produces an immediate, intense high.
Crystal meth can decrease inhibitions and increase risk-taking, such as risky sexual behaviour involving Chemsex. Sexual boundaries may radically alter for some individuals indulging in drug use and sex.
Crystal methamphetamine has the potential to lead to severe psychosis and also an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. Whether users inject crystal meth or smoke it, they are at high-risk of becoming dependent on it.
Mephedrone is another powerful stimulant. It is snorted, swallowed, or injected. It can lead to a euphoric feeling with increased sensitivity and high energy levels. The effect usually lasts a couple of hours, and users often re-dose to maintain the high.
Mephedrone increases the heart-rate, creating a rise in the risk of a heart attack. It can also lead to the user feeling agitated and anxious. Mixing mephedrone with other drugs increases the dangers associated with sexualised drug use.
GHB and GBL look identical. They are sold as colourless oily liquids or as powder or paste. GHB has a medical use in the treatment of narcolepsy, and GBL is used in stain remover, rust remover, superglue remover, as an alloy cleaner and as a paint stripper. When consumed, GBL is converted into GHB in the body.
GHB is essentially a depressant, however, in small quantities, it can produce a euphoric high and sometimes hallucinations. Since GHB comes in liquid form - sometimes, it is referred to as Liquid Ecstasy and is considered a highly sexualised drug.
The side effects of GHB use include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and vision changes. In higher quantities, users can blackout or become unconscious. Mixing GHB with alcohol can be very dangerous as both are strong depressants.
These are the main Chemsex drugs, but several other (primarily recreational) drugs are frequently used in sexual contexts and often in combination with the drugs mentioned above.
There are several categories of risks associated with sexualised drug use. There is a risk to an individual's health, which, as we will see, can broaden to wider public health risks. Thus, using substances can quickly become a public health priority, given the high rate of use in some places and among some communities.
The British Medical Journal clearly states that Chemsex is a very challenging public health issue. The real risk of the spread of infectious diseases is something to take seriously. For the individual, we can look at how Chemsex practice can affect a person's mental and physical health.
People who practise Chemsex run several very high risks to their mental health. The drugs all come with a dependency risk and physical and mental health issues.
Issues include but are not limited to:
The most obvious danger of highly risky sexual acts is the probability of sexually transmitted infections (e.g. HIV infection).
When sexual inhibitions are lowered, and the drive for sexual pleasure increases, the sexual risk becomes less of a consideration.
People may engage in unprotected sex, sometimes with persons unknown to them. The risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections increases dramatically. There is also increased risk of other blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis C, especially when the participants share needles.
People who may, under normal circumstances, only practise safe sex, can find themselves engaging in high-risk sexual encounters if they partake in Chemsex drug use. They may have multiple sexual partners or group sex.
Factors that would usually prohibit Chemsex users from careless sexual acts, like religion and moral or cultural beliefs, are all pushed aside. Instead, the pleasure and thrill of various sexual activities take precedence.
Other important health risks also include:
Chemsex addiction might not be a topic everyone feels comfortable discussing with their families or friends.
However, if you do realise that you have a sexual health problem and are addicted to chems, you're not alone. Sexual health clinics have seen many patients come in for treatment for their sexual addictions.
Sexualised drug use for chemsex is very addictive and users often become dependent. Some people may also feel ridiculed or stigmatised because of their sexual preferences. These individuals thus turn to Chemsex parties where like-minded individuals share their psychological and physical struggles.
There is research into harm reduction strategies linked to Chemsex practice worldwide.
Have you tried all the above but still feel you're out of control and need help? The experts at The Kusnacht Practice have helped hundreds of individuals get control over their lives.
Treatment helps gain control and manage substance addictions and addictions to love, sex, and other emotional or behavioural dependencies.
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Using a variety of psychological therapies, our world-renowned specialists help improve your quality of life and free you from the grip of any substance addictions. Chemsex addiction and high-risk sexual behaviours are one of the many conditions you can get treatment for.
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