What is chemsex?
The word chemsex arises from the union of “chemicals” and “sex.” It refers to the use of drugs to have sexual relations for long hours or even days. Although it is not exclusive to the gay community, it is more present in gay men, bisexuals and queer AMAB people (assigned male at birth).
Usually involves substances such as methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB/GBL or ketamine. Each one has different effects, but the common objective is to enhance desire, reduce shame and lengthen the duration of sexual encounters.
Why is chemsex practiced?
There is no single reason. Some of the most common are:
- Seek greater sexual pleasure or extreme sensations.
- Fight the insecurity or shame that can generate years of homophobia or social rejection.
- Connect with others from a place where everything seems easier and more fluid.
- Escape from emotional discomfort or the stress of daily life.
💭 Here the question is: if society were truly inclusive and respectful of sexual diversity, would chemsex be just as frequent?
Real data about chemsex in Spain
A 2022 study carried out by the Spanish Interdisciplinary AIDS Society (SEISIDA) and the National AIDS Plan revealed worrying data:
📊 More than 20% of gay and bisexual men in large cities have practiced chemsex at some point.
📊 Among them, 42% declared having consumed mephedrone and 37% GHB/GBL.
📊 18% stated that they had felt the need for professional help to stop or reduce it.
It is important to note that not all people who practice chemsex develop addiction, but there is a high risk of psychological or physical dependence, as well as consequences for sexual and mental health.
Risks of chemsex
✅ Sexual health: increase in STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or HIV, especially if unprotected practices are combined.
✅ Mental health: anxiety, depression, paranoia or social isolation, especially in prolonged consumption or in people with previous vulnerability.
✅ Overdose: GHB has a very small margin between the recreational dose and the toxic dose. Additionally, mixing substances increases the risk of serious adverse effects.
✅ Loss of limits: some people say that, under the influence of drugs, they carried out practices that they would not have chosen in sobriety.
Critical perspective: demonize or accompany?
The media often approach chemsex through sensationalism: orgies, drugs, risk… However, they rarely ask themselves why so many LGTBIQ+ people find refuge or freedom in these practices. Are we listening to their reasons or just criminalizing their pain? Wouldn’t it be more useful to offer safe companionship, comprehensive sexual education, and drug-free queer leisure spaces, instead of just judging?
How to ask for help if you need it
If you feel that chemsex is affecting you or that you are losing control, you are not alone. Here are resources and practical steps:
1. Talk to people you trust
Although it’s scary, verbalizing it is a great first step. Find someone who will not judge you and who can accompany you if you decide to seek professional help.
2. Contact specialized resources
In Spain there are entities with specific chemsex programs:
🏳️🌈 Energy Control (Madrid and Barcelona)
They offer information and analysis of substances to reduce risks.
🏳️🌈 Stop AIDS (Barcelona)
They have workshops, counseling and psychological care on chemsex.
🏳️🌈 Positive Support (Madrid, Málaga)
Comprehensive care in sexual health, psychology and support in risk reduction.
3. Consult with mental health professionals
If you feel dependency or related anxiety, looking for an LGTBIQ+ friendly psychologist can be key. There are therapists specialized in addictions and chemsex with a queer perspective.
Harm reduction: if you decide to practice chemsex
Although the safest thing is not to consume, if you decide to do so, here are some basic tips:
✔️ Be well informed about substances, safe doses and dangerous mixtures.
✔️ Do not consume alone. If something goes wrong, there is someone who can help you.
✔️ Hydration and nutrition. Don’t forget to eat and drink water.
✔️ Rest. Sleep and allow your body to recover.
✔️ Get regular STI checks and consider PrEP if you have unprotected sex.
Chemsex does not define who you are. It doesn’t make you better, worse, more queer or less. It is a practice that exists, and as a society we must stop looking at it with morbidity or judgment and start looking at it with responsibility, care and support.
If this article touched something to you or you think it can help someone, share it. Maybe it’s the start of an important conversation.
