Chemsex: definition, drugs, risks and harm reduction

What is chemsex?

AIDES defines chemsex as using illicit psychoactive drugs for sexual purposes, to have a particular kind of encounter: longer, more intense, more uninhibited, often with several people. It’s also called PnP (party and play). When drugs are injected, it’s slamming.

How many men are involved?

Santé publique France’s ERAS surveys (Annie Velter, Perrine Roux, 2024) show a stable practice:

• 5% at last sex in 2017, 6% in 2023;
• 12% in the previous 6 months in 2021, 13% in 2023.

Men who do chemsex are more often aged 25 to 45, urban, with more partners; the practice is linked to higher HIV and STI risks and to signs of psychosocial distress.

Which drugs?

Sexosafe and Sida Info Plus mainly list:

• cathinones (3-MMC, 4-MEC…): stimulants, the most common in France (3-MMC);
• GHB/GBL (“G”): a depressant, very dangerous in overdose (GHB);
• methamphetamine (crystal, tina) (crystal);
• ketamine, cocaine, MDMA (ketamine);
• often combined with poppers and erection drugs.

What are the risks?

According to Sexosafe:

• drug-related: dependence, overdose, collapse, dangerous mixes (combinations), legal trouble;
• sexual health: transmission of HIV, hepatitis (especially C) and STIs, injuries (fisting, long sessions);
• consent: when high, you’re not always able to say yes or no (consent);
• long term: depression, loss of self-esteem, isolation, work and money problems.

Reducing the risks

Sexosafe recommends in particular:

1. PrEP if you’re HIV-negative, treatment taken properly (TasP) if you’re positive;
2. condoms, gloves, lube and disinfectant at hand;
3. personal sterile equipment (syringes, straws), never shared;
4. disinfect toys after use;
5. avoid mixing, especially alcohol and GHB;
6. water and sugary drinks within reach;
7. regular testing for HIV, STIs, hepatitis C.

If someone feels unwell: move them somewhere calm, reassure them, give them sugar; if unconscious, recovery position and call emergency services immediately. More tips: harm reduction.

Where to find help?

In France: AIDES (WhatsApp +33 7 62 93 22 29), Drogues Info Service (0 800 23 13 13), Le 190 in Paris, addiction and harm-reduction centres: see chemsex help.