Paramedics in London are treating nearly 800 people a year who take drugs to engage in sex
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READER DISCRETION ADVISED: This article contains references to illegal drugs and unsafe sexual behaviour. Support for individuals, their friends or family is available in the article.
Chemsex is a specific term which involves taking illegal drugs and engaging in hardcore sex, usually in groups.
It is a decades-old practice that has become increasingly more common.
People performing Chemsex are mostly gay, bisexual, trans or non-binary. ‘Men who have sex with men’ (MSM) who, do not identify themselves as gay, also participate. Taking drugs like cigarettes and alcohol and then having sex is not classed as Chemsex.
The last five years has seen a huge increase
Drug use is three times higher among gay and bisexual men in general, compared to those who are straight – according to data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales 2013/2014.
The form of taking drugs explicitly for sexual purposes has existed for decades and traditionally called “slamming”. More recently the term Chemsex has become common.
A Google Trend graph showing Chemsex search frequency
Paramedics treat one person a day on Chemsex drugs
Between 2021 and 2023, theLondon Ambulance Service estimatesit treated over 750 people in the capital who were engaged in the practice. At least 764 people were treated for intoxication from crystal meth or mephodrone.
The 3 main drugs, or chems, associated with Chemsex are nicknamed Crystal Meth, Meph and GHB/GHL. All of these are illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with Crystal Meth the most serious Class (A) and Meph and GHB in the same category as Cannabis (B). For all of these drugs, it is illegal to have, give away or sell and being caught could mean a lengthy prison sentence, fine or both. They are all highly addictive.
In 2015, a British documentary from Vice Media called “Chemsex” about the issue was released. Alongside, a powerful trailer was published:
The UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) and the NHS say that those who do Chemsex are at increased risk of blood-borne viruses and STIs due to lowering of inhibitions and practising unsafe sex.
London LGBT clinic 56 Dean St say that Chemsex happens is most common at parties, known as ‘chillouts’ which can be in private houses.
Although illegal, some who use chems to facilitate sex go to organised gay sex parties or gay saunas.
“I am going to leave now, this is insane.”
City News has spoken to a past Chemsex user and now CEO of a charity that supports people who do the activity. ‘Controlling Chemsex‘ supported a person online to leave a dangerous situation after saying “I hooked with someone last night, I was horny, he had chems and I could not say no”
If you, a friend or loved one is involved in Chemsex, confidential and fast support is available at www.controllingchemsex.com.
Talk to Frank has more information about drugs involved in Chemsex
Members of the LGBT+ community can book free STI testing at 56 Dean St here.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineChemsex: The high-risk thrill endangering lives
Short HeadlineChemsex: A look into a hidden sub-culture of sex with drugs
StandfirstPeople under the influence of Class A and B are taking part in highly risky sexual behaviour
READER DISCRETION ADVISED: This article contains references to illegal drugs and unsafe sexual behaviour. Support for individuals, their friends or family is available in the article.
Chemsex is a specific term which involves taking illegal drugs and engaging in hardcore sex, usually in groups.
It is a decades-old practice that has become increasingly more common.
People performing Chemsex are mostly gay, bisexual, trans or non-binary. ‘Men who have sex with men’ (MSM) who, do not identify themselves as gay, also participate. Taking drugs like cigarettes and alcohol and then having sex is not classed as Chemsex.
The last five years has seen a huge increase
Drug use is three times higher among gay and bisexual men in general, compared to those who are straight – according to data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales 2013/2014.
The form of taking drugs explicitly for sexual purposes has existed for decades and traditionally called “slamming”. More recently the term Chemsex has become common.
A Google Trend graph showing Chemsex search frequency
Paramedics treat one person a day on Chemsex drugs
Between 2021 and 2023, theLondon Ambulance Service estimatesit treated over 750 people in the capital who were engaged in the practice. At least 764 people were treated for intoxication from crystal meth or mephodrone.
The 3 main drugs, or chems, associated with Chemsex are nicknamed Crystal Meth, Meph and GHB/GHL. All of these are illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with Crystal Meth the most serious Class (A) and Meph and GHB in the same category as Cannabis (B). For all of these drugs, it is illegal to have, give away or sell and being caught could mean a lengthy prison sentence, fine or both. They are all highly addictive.
In 2015, a British documentary from Vice Media called “Chemsex” about the issue was released. Alongside, a powerful trailer was published:
The UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) and the NHS say that those who do Chemsex are at increased risk of blood-borne viruses and STIs due to lowering of inhibitions and practising unsafe sex.
London LGBT clinic 56 Dean St say that Chemsex happens is most common at parties, known as ‘chillouts’ which can be in private houses.
Although illegal, some who use chems to facilitate sex go to organised gay sex parties or gay saunas.
“I am going to leave now, this is insane.”
City News has spoken to a past Chemsex user and now CEO of a charity that supports people who do the activity. ‘Controlling Chemsex‘ supported a person online to leave a dangerous situation after saying “I hooked with someone last night, I was horny, he had chems and I could not say no”
If you, a friend or loved one is involved in Chemsex, confidential and fast support is available at www.controllingchemsex.com.
Talk to Frank has more information about drugs involved in Chemsex
Members of the LGBT+ community can book free STI testing at 56 Dean St here.
