Chemsex
What is it? | Why do people have chemsex? | Definitions | Risks | Drugs | More info
What is it?
Chemsex most commonly refers to the use of specific drugs, used specifically during sex, often but not exclusive to men who have sex with men (MSM).
Culturally, chemsex differs from recreational drug use that leads to sex or the use of drugs while engaging in sex among non-gay populations, as the uniqueness of Queer sex, culture and sexualised drug use underpins the definition of chemsex.
Common substances (“chems”) associated with chemsex include GHB/GBL (gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone), crystal methamphetamine and cathinones (commonly mephedrone “m-kat”).
Though other drugs such as ketamine, amyl nitrate (poppers), Viagra, alcohol and cocaine are often involved too, these are not commonly understood to be “chems”. These drugs are usually considered additional ‘highs’ to the high that is sought out during chemsex. The specific highs associated with crystal meth, GHB/GBL and mephedrone provide the desired disinhibition and pleasure that drive and define chemsex.
Why might people engage in chemsex?
- Connection with others – greater intimacy
- Enhanced sexual stamina
- Novel drug use
- Pleasure
- Sexual exploration
- Exploration of kinks
- Sex-based sociality
- Internalised homophobia
- Lower inhibitions
There’s no one reason why people engage in chemsex, and a person’s motivation for having chemsex may change over time. However, the particular highs associated with chemsex may set the motivations for this specific type of drug use apart.
Definitions
In the chemsex community, ‘codes’ are used to describe particular aspects of chemsex.
| Term | Definition |
| Party/Party and Play/PnP | Chemsex |
| HnH | High and Horny |
| Chill/Chillout | Chemsex session at a private home |
| Chems | Drugs used in chemsex |
| Boofing/Booty Bumping | Taking drugs anally |
| Slamming | Taking drugs intravenously (injecting) |
Chemsex can happen in various locations and involve different types of ‘access’. Santoro et al. (2020) identified 4 different types of party:
- Anonymous sessions
- Chill-sex
- Semi-closed parties among networks of friends
- Chemsex in saunas or other sex-on-premise venues (SPVs)
All types of chemsex parties present differences in how they’re arranged, the meaning their participants ascribe to them and the degree of exposure to risk involved.
Potential Risks
- STIs
- Route of administration injuries
- BBVs
- Consent
- Boundaries being crossed
- Impaired decision making
- Dosing
- Suicidal ideation
- Unmanageable comedowns
- Psychosis/paranoia
Any drug use carries risk, however, the risks around chemsex may be more unique, given the nature of use.
Common Drugs Used in Chemsex
GHB/GBL
G, Gina, Liquid Ecstasy
GHB and GBL are depressant drugs. GBL is not psychoactive itself, when it’s taken the body converts it into GHB so the effects and risk are largely the same. GHB and GBL usually come as liquids but GHB is occasionally available in powder form. GHB/GBL are most commonly used by men who have sex with men during chemsex but both are gaining popularity in the wider party scene.
GHB/GBL is measured with a syringe or pipette and added to a soft drink, or added as a powder.
Effects
The effects of GHB/GBL are highly dose-dependent. It can take 5-25 minutes to kick in and lasts 2-4 hours.
- Stimulation (at lower doses)
- Sedation (at higher doses)
- Disinhibition
- Increased libido
- Muscle relaxation
- Euphoria
- Forgetfulness
- Seizures/thrashing about (“squiffing out”)
- Unconsciousness (at higher doses)
For more information GHB/GBL, click here.
Crystal Methamphetamine
Crystal, Meth, Ice, T, Tina, Glass
Crystal meth is a central nervous system stimulant, that comes in a crystal form. It was first synthesized from ephedrine (another stimulant) in 1893 by Japanese chemist Nagayoshi Nagai.
Crystal can be smoked, “slammed” (injected), “booty bumped” (taken anally), snorted, or “hot railed” (a glass pipe is heated and held over a line and snorted), and is often used during chemsex.
Effects
Effects can last around 4-20 hours, depending on the route of administration and frequency of use.
- Euphoria
- Alertness
- Confidence
- Lowered inhibitions
- Arousal
- Paranoia
- Increased energy
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Nausea
For more information on Crystal Meth, click here.
Mephedrone
M-cat, Meow Meow, Drone
Mephedrone is a cathinone which is a class of stimulant drugs. It rose to popularity in 2008 when it was still legal and sold online and in headshops. It was scheduled in 2010 as a Class B drug. Mephedrone is often used during chemsex.
M-kat is commonly snorted but can be swallowed (“bombing”) or injected (“slammed”).
Effects
If taken orally, the effects take around 15-45 minutes to kick in and last 4-8 hours. If snorted, the effects will take 15-30 minutes to kick in and last 3-6 hours.
- Stimulation
- Talkativeness
- Increased libido
- Euphoria
- Dehydration
- Social enhancement
- Jaw clenching
- Anxiety/paranoia
- Intense comedowns
For more information on Mephedrone, click here.
Amyl Nitrate (Poppers)
Rush, Liquid Gold, Poppers
Poppers are a liquid depressant substance, part of the akyl nitrate family. They were originally used during the 19th century as prescribed medication for angina (chest pains), however, recreational use rose to popularity among the gay community in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Poppers come in a small glass vile and when opened, the fumes from poppers are inhaled.
Effects
Effects are fast-acting and short-lived per dose, they kick in almost immediately and last around 2-5 minutes.
- Euphoria
- Arousal
- Head-rush
- Dizziness
- Anal and vaginal wall relaxation
- Increased heart rate
For more information on Poppers, click here.
Ketamine:
K, Ket, Wonk, Wobble
Ketamine is a dissociative drug with psychedelic properties. It is used regularly in veterinary and paediatric medicine as an anaesthetic. Ketamine is usually snorted but is also occasionally injected. It is generally sold as a fine white powder or in small glass-like shards.
Ketamine is usually snorted but can also be swallowed or slammed.
Effects
If snorted, the effects can take around 5-15 minutes to kick in and will last around 1 hour.
- Euphoria
- Sense of calm/serenity
- Spiritual connection to the world/other people
- Pain relief or numbness
- Confusion/disordered thinking
- Nausea/vomiting
For more information on Ketamine click here.
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Blue Pill, Blue Diamond, Viagra
Sildenafil is the active substance in Viagra, it works by blocking a protein called PDE-5 and widening blood vessels which collectively allows more blood to flow to the penis.
It is usually taken orally in standard or chewable pill form or as a liquid.
Effects
Effects take around 30-60 minutes to take effect and can last around 4-5 hours.
- Increased blood flow to the penis
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
Warning: Using Sildenafil with poppers or stimulants can increase the risk to the heart, as it can cause blood pressure to decrease to a dangerous level.
For more information on Viagra, click here.
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