What drugs are used in chemsex?

What is chemsex?

Chemsex is a term to describe sexual activity, predominantly but not exclusively between men, while under the influence of recreational drugs.

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.  Chemsex practice varies considerably, from infrequent use with a partner, to large group settings with a number of sexual partners over an extended period of time. Chemsex is seen as a relatively new phenomenon, having emerged in the last two decades among the GBMSM community out of a combination of the development and wide scale use of networking apps (e.g. Grindr and Scruff) and the use of novel psychoactive substances.

There are three specific drugs usually involved:

• Methamphetamine is a stimulant. A Class A drug can be smoked in a glass pipe, snorted as a powder, or mixed with water and injected or administered rectally. Those using it may feel a sense of euphoria and have increased energy during sex. It may also temporarily enhance a person’s confidence – creating a sense of invincibility and impulsiveness. It can also cause intense sexual stimulation and lowered inhibitions. (Commonly referred to as Crystal, Tina, Meth, or Ice T.)

The harmful effects can include:

• Sleep disruption
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors or convulsions
• Irregular heartbeat
• Comedown, associated with feelings of depression, exhaustion and paranoia
• Mephedrone is a Class B drug which can be swallowed in tablet form, snorted as a powder, injected (known as slamming), or administered rectally (known as booty bumping). People using mephedrone may feel a sense of euphoria, feel in a good mood and less hostile towards others. It also increases mental function and sexual stimulation. (It is also known as meph, drone, MCAT, or meow meow.)

The harmful effects can include:

• Anxiety and paranoia
• Overstimulation of the heart, circulation and nervous system, which can increase the risk of experiencing fits
• Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) are Class C drugs which can be swallowed in small liquid doses or added as a powder to a soft drink; less commonly, they can also be injected. People using GHB/GBL may feel a sense of euphoria, lowered inhibitions and increased sex drive. Often used to boost the effects of other drugs, GHB/GBL is also used as a relaxant to make receptive anal sex easier and more pleasurable. (It is also known as (G, Gina, or liquid ecstasy.)

The harmful effects can include:

• Memory lapses
• Clumsiness and drowsiness
• Tremors and agitation
• Very risky when combined with alcohol or other drugs
• An overdose can trigger a ‘G Sleep’ state of unconsciousness

Whilst chemsex is typically associated with the above, other drugs can also be used, such as ecstasy and ketamine. Furthermore, other substances may be used secondary to these drugs to improve performance and facilitate sex and certain sexual practices, including PDE5 inhibitors and amyl nitrate, commonly known as ‘poppers’. Drugs are consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking, injecting intravenously or intramuscularly, eating, drinking, and snorting.

Why people engage in chemsex

This is a complex question that research is only just beginning to answer. So far, research has predominantly focused on the experiences of gay caucasian men who predominantly live in urban areas, including areas with a large gay community, thus leading to a degree of bias in how we view sex. Research has demonstrated that people use drugs to enhance sex through increased arousal, pleasure, adventurousness, improved performance and confidence, and/or a reduction in inhibitions and anxieties around sex, sexual functioning and performance, relationships and sexuality.

How prevalent is chemsex?

Research suggests that the prevalence of chemsex varies depending on how people are asked, how chemsex is defined, and the recruitment context. Prevalence rates from studies suggest that a minority of MSM engage in sexualised drug use, with estimates ranging between 3–29%. Chemsex use is prevalent amongst all ages; however, it may peak in the 30s–40s and may be higher in particular subgroups of MSM, for example, people living with HIV or those who engage in higher-risk sexual activities.

Is chemsex safe?

The impact of chemsex can be different for different people. For some, the risks are smaller, but for other people, they can be more harmful. There are ways to keep yourself safe, but there are some risks involved:

It can affect your physical and mental health 

Chemsex can have a negative impact on your physical health, including your heart and brain. It can also contribute to anxiety and depression.  Sometimes people inject crystal meth and mephedrone. With injection, there is an increased risk of infections and blood-borne viruses like HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. You can also become dependent on chemsex drugs.

It can lead to unsafe sex 

If you’re under the influence of drugs, you might not use a condom, which can put you at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). People who are using certain drugs will often have rougher sex than usual, which can cause bleeding.

It can lead to issues around consent 

In any situation where drugs or alcohol are present, it is easy for people to lose the capacity to consent. If someone is asleep, unconscious or so ‘out of it’ they cannot decide for themselves, then they cannot consent.  Consent is not permanent and can be withdrawn at any time. Consent is not just about the law; it is about having positive sexual experiences that all people involved want.

It can affect your social, sex and work life 

Chemsex can have an impact on your everyday life. Some people find that it can have a negative effect on their friendships and work life. People who engage in chemsex regularly sometimes find it hard to enjoy sex without chemsex drugs.

Support

If you are looking for the right rehab centre to help you make critical changes in your life, UKAT can help. We offer inpatient cocaine addiction treatment programmes that take everybody’s needs into account and provide you with the support you need to recover.

We offer a wide range of therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), meditation, group therapy and 12-step work to focus on every aspect of your addiction. These will help you understand your addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms and build a solid foundation for recovery.