A term used since the end of the 1990s, Chemsex consists of consuming drugs during sexual intercourse in order to stimulate desire and excitement… this is nevertheless dangerous for physical and mental health.
- Chemsex is the practice of using drugs before and during sex.
- The products mainly consumed during Chemsex are cocaine, MDMA, GHB, GBL, methamphetamine, crystal or poppers.
- Regular use of synthetic drugs has devastating side effects on health.
Chemsex is the contraction of two English terms: “Chemicals” (chemicals) and “Sex”. This practice refers to the fact of consuming drugs during sexual intercourse.
Taking psychoactive products to promote disinhibition and excitement
In a majority of cases, the products consumed are stimulants such as cocaine, MDMA, GHB, GBL, methamphetamine, crystal or poppers. Now, new synthetic drugs known as cathinones (3-MMC, 4-MEC, etc.) are very popular when practicing Chemsex. These substances can be consumed by injection, ingestion or snorting.
Taking psychoactive products before and during sexual intercourse promotes feelings of disinhibition, excitement or the desire to have an intimate relationship.“Chemsex differs from other “drug and sex” uses because it is more often associated with extreme practices and risky behavior (unprotected anal penetration, fist-fucking, multiple partners, etc.)”noted Public health France.
Loss of consciousness, mood disorders: the risks of Chemsex
Easily accessible on the Internet, designer drugs are highly addictive and can have serious adverse effects. These illegal substances can lead to compulsive behavior, discomfort, loss of consciousness, and in the most serious cases, death.
In the event of an overdose linked to the consumption of GHB/GBL, the person may experience a loss of consciousness during which they will not remember anything. This phenomenon is known as “G-Hole”.
“Ketamine can cause a “K-Hole”, with mood and behavioral disorders, loss of contact with reality, frightening visions sometimes leading to states of panic and dissociation (…) Cathinones or methamphetamine can lead to panic attacks or paranoid attacks with hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts or depressive disorders”can we read on the platform of AIDS Info Service. As for the risks associated with taking cocaine, they are mainly characterized by disorders cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory.
“The intensive practice of chemsex can lead to no longer eating or sleeping”
In addition to the dangers of synthetic drug use, Chemsex can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Indeed, this sexual behavior can push to abandon or forget the condom during an intimate relationship. Chemsex followers may also follow their HIV preventive or curative treatments less well.
“The intensive practice of chemsex can lead to not eating or sleeping for long periods of time, sometimes up to 72 hours. “Black outs” which can delay HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (TPE) by the same amount if that – this is necessary“, warns the organization Sida Info Service. In addition, mixing alcohol with illicit substances can also increase the risk of feeling unwell or having a bad trip.
Chemsex can also impact mental health. In the long term, the person may suffer from low self-esteem, withdrawal, depression, job loss or financial problems.
How to prevent the dangers associated with Chemsex?
Public Health France has unveiled several recommendations to limit the risks of sexually transmitted diseases or the dangers associated with the practice of Chemsex. The organization recommended in particular to avoid mixing drugs and alcohol, to carry out regular screenings for HIV and STIs, to disinfect sex toys after use, to provide sterilized equipment (syringes, needles , straws) and to protect themselves with condoms.
“Offer water in individual bottles and make available something to prevent hypoglycaemia (sweetened drinks, for example) (…) In the event of slight discomfort, isolate the person in a quiet place, reassure him and make him drink something sweet”advises the institution.
