Chemsex
Chemsex is a commonly used term to describe drug use immediately before or during sex. Also referred to as PNP or “Party and Play,” chemsex activities typically involve certain types of drugs such as GHB, crystal meth, and mephedrone.
People engage in chemsex for a variety of reasons. For some, drugs might increase their sex drive or allow them to have sex for longer. For others, drugs might remove their inhibitions or increase feelings of intimacy.
Many people who mix sex and drugs are able to do so in a safe way by adopting harm reduction behaviours to keep them and their partners healthy. However, others may have a less positive chemsex experience. For example, some regions have reported a potential correlation between a rise in chemsex amongst guys who have sex with guys and significant increases in community overdoses, drug dependency, and sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs). Potential negative impacts associated with chemsex include:
Reduced libido and increased dependence on substances to have sex
Dependency on drugs to access feelings of intimacy and connection with others during sex
Drug addiction
Drug overdose
Increased risk of transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and others
Increased risk for sexual/physical assault
Mental health effects including: psychosis, depression, feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem, and anxiety
Physical health impacts associated with significant substance use including: thinness, acne, dental issues, etc.
Barriers to Accessing Support and Services
Despite significant health challenges, many individuals seeking help for chemsex-related issues often encounter multiple barriers to accessing effective support. There are many reasons for this, but lack of health service integration and understanding are important explanations.
Chemsex exists at the intersection of sexual health,mental health, and addictions. Services are rarely offered in an integrated way — most focus solely on sexual health or solely on substance use. This can lead to individuals being sent back and forth between two different parts of the system. Providers working in sexual health see chemsex-related challenges as a mental health and addictions issue, while providers working in mental health and addictions may see it as a sexual health issue. This may challenge access to comprehensive care that addresses the range of chemsex factors, including mental health, substance use, and sexual health.
Individuals may also experience barriers in accessing effective care for chemsex because many traditional harm reduction or sexual health services have a limited understanding of the unique social and cultural factors which act as drivers for chemsex amongst amongst 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals. This lack of understanding results in a limited ability to respond adequately. Such drivers include:
Cultural and religious attitudes towards homosexuality
Trauma and stigma associated with the AIDS epidemic
Technology and the emergence of “hook-up” apps as a means of engaging in sex
Gay specific rejection culture associated with categorization by race, tribes, and appearance that affect one’s ability to “market” themselves
Learn more about the Peer N Peer Program
Recognizing challenges to access, QTHC’s Peer N Peer program was designed by and for 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals who use (or formerly used) substances. The Peer N Peer team has first-hand knowledge of the unique motivations associated with chemsex, and are equipped to support you in reaching your substance use and sexual health goals. Whether you want to stop mixing sex and substances, mix sex and substances together in a safer way, or just want to talk to someone who understands your experience and won’t judge you, the Peer N Peer team can help.
Learn more about the Peer N Peer Program →
Useful Links
“Safer Chems,” The Gay Men’s Health Project: https://www.gmfa.org.uk/Pages/Category/safer-chems
“Chem Sex Care Plan,” David Stuart: https://www.davidstuart.org/care-plan
References
Giorgetti, Raffaele, et al. “When ‘Chems’ Meet Sex: A Rising Phenomenon Called ‘ChemSex.’” Current Neuropharmacology, Bentham Science Publishers, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771052/.
