WiSH provides a safe non-judgemental service where you can talk openly to us about chemsex and any concerns you may have.

In this section you can find out more about the drugs commonly associated with chemsex, their effects and their risks, along with advice on how you can look after your health and well-being.

What is Chemsex ?

Chemsex is defined by the use of three specific drugs in a sexual context (methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB/GBL) and involves using one or more of these drugs, in any combination, to enhance sex, with or without other drugs

An episode of Chemsex can sometimes last several days and someone engaging in chemsex may find little need for sleep or food. The heightened sexual focus can also lead to more extreme sex for longer periods, often with more partners and with less fear of STIs

Sharing injections is also common during Chemsex episodes due to a reduced sense of risk.

Drugs associated with Chemsex :

Mephedrone (Meow Meow, MCAT, Plant Food):

  • Mephedrone is a Class B drug which can be swallowed in tablet form, snorted as a powder, injected (known as slamming), or administered rectally (known as booty bumping). People using mephedrone may feel a sense of euphoria, feel in a good mood and less hostile towards others. It also increases mental function and sexual stimulation.

The harmful effects of mephedrone however can include:

  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Overstimulation of the heart, circulation and nervous system, which can increase the risk of experiencing fits

GHB/GBL (G, Gina, Liquid Ecstasy) :

  • A Class C drug which can be swallowed in small liquid doses or added as a powder to a soft drink; less commonly it can also be injected. People using GHB/GBL may feel a sense of euphoria, lowered inhibitions and increased sex drive. Often used to boost the effects of other drugs, GHB/GBL is also used as a relaxant to make receptive anal sex easier and more pleasurable.

The harmful effects of GHB/GBL can include:

  • Memory lapses
  • Clumsiness
  • Drowsiness
  • Tremors
  • Agitation

Very risky when combined with alcohol or other drugs. An overdose can trigger a ‘G Sleep’ state of unconsciousness

Methamphetamine (Crystal, Tina, Meth, Ice T):

  • A Class A drug which can be smoked in a glass pipe, snorted as a powder, or mixed with water and injected or administered rectally.
  • Those using it may feel a sense of euphoria and have increased energy during sex. It may also temporarily enhance a person’s confidence – creating a sense of invincibility and impulsiveness. It can also cause intense sexual stimulation and lowered inhibitions.

The harmful effects of methamphetamine can include:

  • Sleep disruption
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremors or convulsions
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Comedown associated with feelings of depression, exhaustion and paranoia

Chemsex risks :

There are number of risk associated with chemsex – and these can include;

  • Increased sexual disinhibition – extreme behaviour and more risk taking than you otherwise would, resulting in increased STI risk and infection
  • Extended sex for many days/hours – sometimes multiple partners, multiple times over several days which can result in physical trauma
  • Drug interactions that can be serious and difficult to predict, overdose (which can be fatal), paranoia, psychosis and black-outs
  • Not being able to consent to sex while under the influence of chems
  • Injection related infections – including increased risk of Hepatitis C infections
  • Serious short and long term impact including chronic depression, anxiety, weight loss, paranoia and psychosis
  • Loss of lifestyle stability
  • Reliance of drugs during sex and reduced ability to engage in ‘sober’ sex

Advice on Chemsex:

WiSH provides a safe non-judgemental service where you can talk openly to us about any chemsex you may be having or considering. If you are engaging in chemsex our advice includes:

  • Screen for STIs regularly including HIV and Hepatitis C
  • Ask us for information about vaccinations and PrEP eligibility
  • Play with someone you trust if possible, as your judgement can be dramatically impaired on chems
  • Know your limits – Establish a set of boundaries while sober about what you are and what you are not prepared to do sexually and with chems, that you can refer to later when high
  • Don’t play for too long – paranoia and hallucinations can be common on your second day awake
  • Don’t let someone else inject you
  • Do not share needles, or other injecting equipment
  • if you are uncertain about safer injecting practices please see here  
  • Don’t play too regularly to avoid depression, weight loss and psychological dependence.
  • Make sure there’s a mix of sober sex (sex without chems), some dating, and plenty of non-sexual recreation and intimacy

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, including being unable to consent to sex during Chemsex and you wish to report it to the police – all allegations of crime are taken seriously and sexual assaults are dealt with sensitively by specially trained officers. A person will be asked if they have taken or used drugs or alcohol – mainly to make sure they are feeling well enough to give a proper account of what happened, and legally agree to a medical examination.