What is Chem Sex?
Chemsex means using drugs as part of your sex life, and it’s most common among gay and bi men. There are typically three specific ‘chems’ (drugs) involved: Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth), Mephedrone (Meth), GHB and GBL (G). This page provides information on chem sex and how to look after your health and the health of your partners.
Use of any illegal substance can have significant negative impacts on your health but if you are going to choose to use illegal substances then these steps may reduce potential harm or fatality.
Remember if you need non-judgemental and confidential support concerning your drug use you can contact us by phone (028 90 319 030) or e-mail (info@rainbow-project.org)
Injecting drugs
Sometimes people inject crystal meth and mephedrone. With this there is an increased risk of infections and viruses like HIV and HEP A&B. To minimise your risk never share needles.
Set Group Rules
Agree in advance, and while sober, what sex you want to have – and don’t want to have. Make sure everyone is in agreement about what is going to happen and respect others boundaries.
Safer Sex?
Be upfront about the type of sex you want to have – including if you want to use condoms. – and bring safer sex materials with you. Not using condoms can put you at risk of STIs, and people on certain drugs may have rougher sex increasing the risk of bleeding and infection.
PrEP
PrEP is a drug which, when taken correctly, prevents you from contracting HIV. If you are going to have unproteced sex with muliple partners and under the influence of drugs – PrEP could be beneficial in limiting your risk of HIV infection.
Other substances?
You should avoid mixing drugs, with alcohol and any other drugs and never mix poppers with erectile drugs like Viagra – please check out our information on dosing for more advice on using substances.
Staying safe
If you are engaging in Chemsex or Groupsex – try and limit to events where you know someone else who you can trust. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe – LEAVE!
If you have any questions, concerns or needs in relation to sex, substance use or relationships – please contact The Rainbow Project for free non-judgemental advice and support.