Chemsex

The London gay scene has seen an increased emergence of 'Chemsex' - also known as 'HnH' (high n horny) 'Party and Play' or 'Chillouts'.  This refers to extended periods of time where people have sex under the influence of drugs. These drugs can be taken immediately before and/or during the sexual session.  The drugs most commonly associated with chemsex are crystal meth, GHB/GBL, mephedrone and sometimes cocaine and ketamine.

If you are engaging in chemsex, use the tips below to help you to stay in control and minimise risk:

• Don’t overdo it! Overdosing is easy to do, research the drugs and dosages beforehand. Keep track of what, when, and how much you’re taking.
• Make sure the limits are your limits- different people have different tolerances to substances. Keeping a timing diary is the easiest way to keep track of when you last had a dose. Do this on paper; if your phone dies, you could lose try track if you don’t have a charger.
• Are you in the right headspace? Different chems can affect people differently. If they make you feel upset or angry, it might not be safe for you to get high. If you are struggling to manage this, check out the services below.
• Set sober boundaries. Losing inhibitions is a common effect of taking chems, but you might not be ok with the sex you had the next day. Agree on what kind of play you want and stick to people’s boundaries as well as your own.
• Do you have what you need? Make sure you take enough condoms and lube, if you are slamming- make sure you have clean injecting equipment and enough to last for the session. If you run out of clean equipment, don’t share as this could increase the risks of infections. If you feel like you are having issues with slamming addiction- check out the services below.
• If you are living with HIV or have any other condition that requires adherence to medications, make sure you have enough meds to cover you- especially if it turns into a long session. 
• Who’s around? Are you playing with people in the same mindset as you? Wanting similar play makes it easier to stick to each other’s boundaries. It is OK to change your mind about sex- you are not obligated!
• Are you OK? Are they OK? Keep an eye on those you’re playing with. If you’re at a chemsex party with your mates, agree to check in with them throughout the session.

Whilst drugs and alcohol may be fun and manageable for some people, others may find it dominating their social life or leading to chaotic sexual encounters, isolation, unmanageable comedowns, wasting money, missing work or upsetting family or partners.

Below are some services which specialise in helping gay and bisexual men who may be experiencing issues with drugs and or alcohol.  The support varies depending on need and can range from simply wanting to cut down on drinking to addressing a full drug dependency.

ANTIDOTE - Support in central London for LGBT people

Antidote offers information and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people around drugs and alcohol. Whether you want to cut down or stop using or drinking, or want information about keeping safe Antidote can help. They run a range of regular sessions that you can simply attend for help and support, For more information refer to their website at:

https://londonfriend.org.uk/antidote/

Controlling Chemsex

Controlling Chemsex offers free professional chemsex support. This includes 1-to-1 support, online support, support for loved ones of users and general chemsex information for harm reduction.

https://controllingchemsex.com/ 

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