The term “chemsex” refers to having sex while under the influence of drugs. It’s also called “Party ‘n’ Play” or PnP. Although a variety of people enjoy the way drugs make them feel during sex, chemsex is a term with particular history and cultural associations surrounding men who have sex with men.

Whilst chemsex drugs – typically methamphetamines, GHB, GBL, and mephedrone – can enhance sexual experiences, using them can be harmful too. They may lead to riskier sexual behaviours, compromise consent, increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), and lead to drug addiction.

What Does Chemsex Involve?

Chemsex involves taking drugs (“chems”) during or before sexual activity. People take part in it for a variety of reasons, including to enhance pleasure, to feel more relaxed, or to lower sexual inhibitions. It’s also part of a cultural fixture which gay or bisexual men may use as a way to overcome worries associated with things like:

• Hook-up culture and body image
• Societal/religious attitudes to sex between men
• Fear of rejection and judgement
• Stigma around HIV/AIDS

Chemsex is more common in certain communities and spaces, including gay saunas, clubs, and sex parties. It can be part of spontaneous recreational sex or a paid encounter. Taking stimulant drugs can mean that this type of sexual activity can last for hours or days, and can make a person forget to sleep or eat. 

An important aspect of chemsex is that it centres around lowered inhibitions. As a result, these encounters can involve things like sex with several partners or acts that a person may not normally take part in while sober. As such, an important element of safety and consent with chemsex is for participants to establish ground rules and boundaries ahead of time.

Is Chemsex Just for the LGBTQ+ Community?

Anyone may choose to take drugs as part of their sex life. However, the term “chemsex” evolved in gay and queer communities. It usually refers to men using specific types of drugs when having sex with other men.

For other couples, the terms substance-linked sex and sex whilst intoxicated have been used in scientific literature. As the types of drugs used, sexual practices, cultural norms, and risks are often different, it can be helpful to use different terminology.

Which Drugs Are Commonly Used During Chemsex?

Typically, there are three main drugs (chems) that are used during chemsex because of their ability to cause sexual disinhibition:

• Methamphetamines (crystal meth)
• GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and GBL (gamma butyrolactone)
• Mephedrone

Chems can be taken in a range of ways, including being snorted, smoked, swallowed, injected, inhaled, or boofed (squirted into the anus, also known as booty bumping).

Although other drugs like alcohol, cocaine, and ecstasy are sometimes used during sexual activity, these are not usually referred to as chemsex drugs because they don’t give the same type or duration of high, or level of sexual disinhibition.

Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that comes as a powder, tablets, or crystals. As a part of chemsex, it’s typically taken in the form of crystal meth (meth). It can make a person feel exhilarated and energised, raise the heart rate, and lower inhibitions. The high from meth can last for up to 12 hours and frequently causes reduced appetite and decreased need for sleep.

Depending on its form, meth can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, injected, or boofed.

Methamphetamine use comes with risks, like any drug. It’s also dangerous to mix meth with alcohol or with other amphetamine-type drugs. In some cases, long-term use can cause brain damage and psychosis. An overdose can lead to a stroke, organ damage, coma, and death.

GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) and GBL (Gamma Butyrolactone)

GHB and GBL are depressant drugs. They are both oily, colourless liquids that have sedative effects. Rarely, they also come as tablets, pastes, or powders. Their effects can make people feel relaxed, high, and sexually aroused. Both drugs work similarly, as GBL is broken down into GHB by the body.

Both drugs are very potent and carry risks - it’s easy to overdose after taking just a small amount. Many users prefer to use a syringe or pre-measured vial to prevent overdosing.

GHB/GBL is usually taken orally, but it can cause chemical burns in the mouth if taken undiluted. It’s common for people taking GHB/GBL to measure out the dose and then add it to a soft drink. Rarely, some people snort these drugs in powder form. GBL can’t be injected, but some people choose to inject GHB (although this is very risky). Overdose can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.

Mephedrone (MCAT)

A fine white or yellow-white powder, mephedrone is a powerful stimulant drug. Its effects can make people feel more confident, affectionate, and sensitive to physical touch. It’s usually snorted, but some people take it as tablets, swallow it wrapped in paper, or inject it (which is much more likely to lead to an overdose).

Mephedrone is addictive, and users tend to need to take increasing amounts to reach the same high. Some people struggle to sleep for several days after taking mephedrone and experience memory problems. 

Serious side effects include heart and circulation problems, hallucinations, fits, and overheating (especially if mixed with other amphetamine-type drugs like methamphetamine or ecstasy).

Other Drugs

Some people also consider nitrites (poppers) as a chemsex drug, as they can cause lowered inhibitions, muscle relaxation (including those in the anus), and increased sex drive. It’s common for people to take multiple chemsex drugs together or along with other recreational drugs.

The Risks of Chemsex

It’s possible to engage in chemsex and still practise safe sex, avoid developing an addiction, and experience limited health issues as a result. However, many people develop physical and psychological issues linked to chemsex.

We cover some of the drug-specific risks in this article, including the impacts they can have on your mental and physical health. For more information, check out the free resource Frank.

1. Addiction and Dependency

As with any drugs, chemsex drugs come with the very real risk of addiction, difficult comedowns, and withdrawal symptoms. As well as physical health problems, addiction can cause mental health issues, relationship problems, and financial difficulties.

Historically, due to things like stigma and lack of awareness, many drug and alcohol services were poor at dealing with this type of drug addiction. Thankfully, there are now various NHS-run specialist services that can offer effective and inclusive help.

2. HIV, Hepatitis C, and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STI transmission is a major risk of chemsex. Elements which may increase risk include:

• Sharing drug equipment, especially needles
• Lower inhibitions, which make people less likely to wear a condom, engage in group sex, and have multiple partners
• Longer-lasting and rougher sex, which increases the risk of bleeding and transmitting blood-borne viruses.

3. Issues Around Consent, Sex, and Relationships

Consent for sexual activity should be continuously and clearly communicated, and can be revoked at any time. However, this becomes problematic during chemsex as it can make people drowsy, intoxicated, and less able to consent to sex. One study found that 32% of men who’d engaged in chemsex had been subjected to non-consensual sex. 

Issues with relationships and daily life can occur, too. Some people who engage in chemsex regularly find it affects their ability to maintain relationships, go to work, and to have sex without taking drugs.

How To Have Safer Chemsex

By knowing the risks of chemsex and preparing, you can reduce your chances of having a negative experience or seriously impacting your health.

Before

Plan which drugs you intend to take, in what form, and in what dose. Purchase them from a supplier you know and trust if possible, and be sure to get your own supplies in advance (like syringes, mixing cups, and safe sex supplies).

Explicitly discuss and agree on boundaries with your sexual partner(s) before getting started. You might also consider taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV)

It’s also a good idea to plan for a “babysitter” — someone who will be sober and nearby who can offer help if a problem arises (e.g., with consent or safety).

During

Don’t share equipment, and avoid mixing drugs with each other or with alcohol. Use a condom, and make sure to use plenty of lubricant to avoid skin tears. If you feel unsafe or out of control at any point, ask your partner(s) to stop so you can take a break from the situation.

If you are taking part in a long chemsex session, don’t forget to eat and drink even if you don’t feel hungry or thirsty.

After

Rest and recover in a safe space, ideally with someone you trust - you may struggle to sleep or have a difficult comedown. If you are not taking PrEP and you are worried about the risk of HIV, speak with a healthcare provider about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV). PEP is not suitable for everyone and must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV. PEP can be obtained from emergency departments and sexual health clinics. If you’re having regular unprotected sex, make sure to test yourself for STIs every 3 months.