Alcohol, Drugs and Sex
Using drugs in your sex life is not uncommon, but it can be risky.
Find out more about chemsex below.
Find out more about chemsex below.
What is Chemsex?
Chemsex is the use of specific drugs to add to pleasure during sex.
These drugs are:
Chemsex is most common between men who have sex with men. But other people do have chemsex too.
These drugs are:
- Methamphetamine
- Mephedrone
- GBH / GBL
Chemsex is most common between men who have sex with men. But other people do have chemsex too.
Staying safe during Chemsex
People take drugs during chemsex to alter their state of mind. This means that feelings and reactions are also altered. That is what makes chemsex appealing, but it is also what makes it risky.
There are ways to reduce these risks:
Be aware that these drugs can also have serious side effects. If you start to feel unwell, you should seek help straight away.
The Terrence Higgins Trust has more advice on having chemsex safely. This includes advice on what to do before, during, and after a session.
There are ways to reduce these risks:
- Consent in advance whilst you are sober. Make sure consent is specific, not general.
- Make sure you know what drugs you are taking.
- Never share injections.
- Never let anyone else inject you.
- Remember that consent can be withdrawn at any time.
- Think about taking PrEP before having chemsex.
- If you can, have chemsex with someone you trust.
- If you feel unsafe at any time, leave.
Be aware that these drugs can also have serious side effects. If you start to feel unwell, you should seek help straight away.
The Terrence Higgins Trust has more advice on having chemsex safely. This includes advice on what to do before, during, and after a session.
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