Chemsex is the use of (a combination of) substances during sex, mostly among men who have sex with men (MSM). ‘Chems’ is within MSM slang for drugs. Sex under the influence of drugs boosts energy, focus and intensity.
What is chemsex?
Chemsex is the use of (a combination of) substances during sex by men who have sex with men (MSM). ‘Chems’ an abbreviation for chemicals, is slang for drugs among MSM. Sec under the influence of drugs boosts energy, focus and intensity.
Online dating apps and websites play an important role in chemsex. These communication channels make it easy to state preferences (‘chemsfriendly’) and to get into contact with like-minded people. There can be a lot of risks attached to chemsex, but the impact of chemsex is different per person. A lot of people experience the benefits of chemsex, without developing negative symptoms. But a growing group of people are experiencing social, physical, sexual, and mental problems because of chemsex.
Why do people have chemsex?
People have chemsex for a variety of reasons, but many have chemsex to feel less inhibited and to enhance pleasure. The use of drugs during sexs can, depending on the drug, lead to increased sexual confidence, intimacy, and sexual connection, stronger sexual desire and libido, and a reduction in sexual inhibitions. Lots of MSM use drugs during sex because it makes it easier to make sexual connections, they can be more social, and it can reduce lonlieness. Other reasons for having chemsex have to do with feelings of stigmatisation, discrimination, internalised homophobia, lonlieness and low self-esteem.
What substances are involved?
Within MSM, ‘chems’ mostly refers to drugs such as crystal meth, XTC/MDMA, GHB/GHL, ketamine, and 3-MMC, but often other substances are also included, such as erection dysfunction medication, cannabis and alcohol.
The meaning of ‘chems’ can differ between countries. In the United States, the term chemsex often only refers to sex under the influence of crystal meth, GHB/GBL, or mephedrone. In the United Kingdom, the term chemsex is often used to refer to sex under the influence of these three substances, plus ketamine and cocaine.
Lots of Dutch organisations, such as Mainline and Soa Aids Nederland, utilise a broad definition of chemsex, whereby all drugs that are used during sex are included, with the exception of alcohol, cannabis, and poppers. The definition has been broadened because in the Netherlands, other substances such as 3-MMC, 2-MMC, 3-CMC, 2C-B, and 4-MEC are popular amongst MSM who have chemsex.
Wat are the risks?
Transmission of STI’s
Because drugs can reduce your sexual inhibitions, is the use of condoms during chemsex not always a given, which drastically increases the chances of STI transmission. Some men also inject drugs during sex (slamming) and they run the risk of contracting hepatitis C through the sharing of needles and other injection materials.
Unwanted sexual experiences
The use of drugs during sex can lead to situations in which sexual boundaries are crossed. People who fall unconscious as a result of GHB/GHL, often experience unwanted sexual experiences.
Poor mental health and addiction
A high frequency of chemsex sessions in a short time can lead to depression, anxiety, and addiction. And combining drugs and sex frequently can make it difficult to have sober sex.