Blowover: Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Post-Chemsex Effects
Definition : After an intense chemsex session, your body and mind need time to land. This recovery period, often long and difficult, is what is called the Blowover.
- Keywords
- chemsex, recovery, hangover, exhaustion, paranoia, anxiety, depression, harm reduction
- Topics
- Sexual Health & Prevention
- Updated
Blowover
What is Blowover?
After an intense chemsex session, your body and mind need time to land. This recovery period, often long and difficult, is what is called the Blowover. There is no true equivalent in French slang; it is sometimes referred to as a ‘long descent,’ but the English term is widely used.
What are the physical effects of Blowover?
Blowover is not just the hangover from sex on drugs. It is a state of total exhaustion. Physically, you may feel drained, your muscles sore from hours of frantic sex. You may experience headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise. Your body has drawn on its deepest reserves.
What is the psychological impact of Blowover?
Psychologically, it is often the hardest part. Expect a wave of paranoia, anxiety, and even depression. The emotions that drugs amplified can come back to hit you hard, but in a negative way. The feeling of loneliness can be overwhelming, especially if you find yourself alone after sharing intense intimacy with other guys.
How to manage Blowover: tips and support?
To manage Blowover, hydration is your best friend: drink plenty of water. Eat something nutritious, even if you’re not hungry. Try to sleep, even if your brain is still racing. And most importantly, don’t stay alone. If you can, spend this time with a trusted friend or contact a harm reduction association. Talking about how you feel can make all the difference between a bad time to get through and a real downward spiral.