Chemsex, also known as chems, is the use of drugs to intentionally facilitate longer sessions and increase pleasure in sex.
Usually, chemsex is organised online, mostly through dating/hook-up apps. Due to being primarily organised online, the language (including even using emojis) is ever evolving.
Chemsex can seem to be a boost to individual’s self-esteem and sex life, but comes with several risks including addiction, mental health problems and overdosing which can prove fatal.
Chemsex is mostly associated with men who have sex with men, usually group sex, but is becoming more common in the wider LGBT+ community and people having heterosexual (straight) sex.
The three main drugs that are associated with chemsex are GHB/GBL, mephedrone and methamphetamine. However, if you are engaging with any substances in combination with sex that you are worried about, it is best to seek support. Check the link for the chemsafe.space website.
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Want to talk about your chems use?
There are lots of support services and groups available. Check out more information about what's available.
Emergency Support
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