what is chemsex?
Chemsex means sexual activity, mostly between men, while under the influence of drugs.
People take part in chemsex for different reasons. Some people take part in chemsex to feel less inhibited and to enhance pleasure. Other reasons for taking part in chemsex are associated with feelings of stigma and issues around self-esteem.
There may be individuals who are not men who have sex with men who use drugs as part of their sex lives, but the term chemsex refers to a practice with a specific history and culture.
There are three specific drugs usually involved:
- Methamphetamine is a stimulant. It's also known as crystal meth, crystal, meth, tina and crank.
- Mephedrone is a stimulant too. It's know as meph, drone, meow meow or MKAT.
- GHB and GBL are sedatives. Their full names are gammahydroxybutyrate and gammabutyrolactone, and they're also known as G, gina, geebs and liquid ecstasy.
DeCLAN's CHEMSESX EXPERIENCE
Declan was first introduced to Chemsex in 2014 at 24 years old - below he describes his experience.
When were you first introduced to Chemsex?
I was 24 (2014). However, I was already a Cocaine addict. I started taking Cocaine in 2006.
How were you introduced to Chemsex?
Like most gay men of my age back then, Grindr was a normal part of my day-to-day life. I started talking to this couple who made it very clear that the were looking for fun but also that they were using substances. As someone who was already using Cocaine, my inhibitions were already lowered and I decided to go and meet them. Upon meeting them, I was very quickly introduced to MKAT and the rest as they say, is history.
How many years did you spend on the Chemsex scene?
Well from that first introduction in 2014 until December 2024. So 10 years!
What substances did you abuse while you were a part of the Chemsex scene?
Oh god, let me think..
Tina (Meth), G (GHB - but only once), Crack Cocaine, Ketamine, Cocaine, MKAT (Mephedrone), MDMA (Ecstacy) Weed (Cannabis). Lets not forget copious amounts of nicotine and alcohol too.
Why did you waste 10 years of your life being involved with Chemsex?
Well that's a very good question and there are two parts to my answer. The first being that I was living with undiagnosed ADHD so in effect, I was self medicating - which I was already doing with Cocaine. You'll notice that a lot of - if not all of the drugs I was abusing were stimulants. This, I guess, was a way for me to quiet my ADHD mind. The second part of my answer is because I felt like I was a part of something. Yes it was the wrong thing, but in my head, it was a community. This I now know, was because I had minimal self-worth and didn't really feel like I belonged to any 'community'.
What did your decade of abusing drugs on the Chemsex scene teach you?
It taught me that it's not necessarily about the taking drugs or the sexual experiences, it was about escaping my reality. That, coupled with the habitual impulsivity from my ADHD.
What was the catalyst for you to enter recovery?
It got to the end of 2024 and I was smoking that much meth, I couldn't hold focus. I literally felt myself becoming erratic and to be honest, that petrified me. Not to mention that the other addictive problem while on meth was gambling. In one month, I spent and lost £10,000. I then said to myself I have two choices, I choose life or I die. Thankfully, I chose life and always will.
What advice do you have for people who are struggling with their Chemsex usage?
Firstly, well done for noticing that it's becoming a problem. That level of self awareness is admirable because not many people are honest with themselves. Secondly, there is ALWAYS someone to help - ALWAYS. Entering recovery isn't easy. It's a complete lifestyle change. You have to remove yourself from those people, places and things and that's not easy.
CHEMSEX SPECIFIC SUPPORT
