Chemsex (Chemsex Plan): Definition, Dangers, and Risks

What is the “Chemsex Plan”?

The “chemsex plan” (from “chemicals”) is a casual sex encounter under the influence of synthetic drugs. The goal is to disinhibit, increase sensations, prolong pleasure, and push boundaries. It is a practice increasingly common in the gay community, but it is extremely dangerous.

What are the products commonly associated with Chemsex?

Several drugs are associated with chemsex:

• GHB/GBL: Nicknamed the “date rape drug,” it causes strong disinhibition, euphoria, and increased libido. Dosing is very difficult to control: a few drops too many can lead to coma or even death.

• Cathinones (3-MMC, 4-MEC…): These stimulants provide a sense of empathy, euphoria, and endurance. They are highly addictive and can cause serious heart and neurological problems.

• Mephedrone: Similar to cathinones, it is known for its very unpleasant “comedown” effect (paranoia, anxiety, depression).

• Ketamine: An anesthetic that, at low doses, causes a dissociative, floating effect. At high doses, it’s the “K-hole,” a near-death experience that can be terrifying.

• “Slam”: This is the most extreme practice of chemsex. It involves injecting drugs intravenously. “Slam” increases the risks of overdose, transmission of HIV and hepatitis, and serious bacterial infections.

What are the multiple dangers of Chemsex?

Chemsex is an explosive cocktail of risks:

• Physical health: Overdoses, heart problems, neurological issues, kidney problems… The list of complications is long and frightening.

• Mental health: Addiction, anxiety, depression, paranoia, psychosis… Chemsex can destroy your mental health at a rapid pace.

• Sexual health: Under the influence of chems, condoms are forgotten, partners are multiplied, and risky practices are accepted that would normally be refused. Chemsex is a major factor in the increase of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the gay community.

• Consent: Under chems, consent is a blurry concept. Are you truly consenting when you’re high? Are you able to refuse a practice that makes you uncomfortable? Chemsex is a dangerous playground where sexual assaults are frequent.

Chemsex: A dangerous game, solutions exist

The chemsex plan is playing Russian roulette with your life. If you are tempted by the experience, be aware of the enormous risks you are taking. If you have already fallen into the spiral, don’t stay alone. Talk to a doctor, to an association. Solutions exist to help you get out. Sex is life. Chemsex is often death.