The phenomenon of “chemsex” consists of drug abuse behaviors before or during sexual intercourse in order to facilitate, initiate, prolong, sustain, and intensify the encounter. The trend, which started in London and Berlin, is now spreading throughout Europe.
The most prevalent drugs associated with these behaviors are Mephedrone, Methamphetamine, and GHB/GBL(Gammahydroxybutyrate/Gamma butyrolactone).
Drugs such as cocaine and ketamine can also be used for the purpose.
Mefredone (also known as “M-Cat” or “Meow meow”)became popular in the early 2000s for its stimulant and euphoric psychoactive effects similar to those of cocaine and MDMA. However, in 2010 it was declared illegal in all European countries.
In fact, the drug is not without side effects: it can overload the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate, and has potential neurotoxic effects on the nervous system.
GHB/GBL (also known as “G”) are twodrugs used as general anesthetics, given their relaxing effects on the central nervous system. It is very risky to combine with alcohol, because the depressive effects are enhanced, with the risk of nausea, dizziness, and coma.
Finally, methamphetamine is a substance that functions as a stimulant and excitant. Regular long-term use can cause irreversible damage on the brain.
The use of drugs to enhance sexual performance is most prevalent among men who have relationships with other men. This type of substance increases relaxation and arousal, delaying orgasm and making anal sex easier and less painful. However, the excited state remains for 24 up to a maximum of 72 hours (Prunas, 2020).
Sexual activity conducted over a prolonged period of time under the influence of drugs can result in rectal trauma or abrasion of the penis. In addition, people who practice chemsex are at greater risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, especially in the case of condomless intercourse, which is common among menin same-sex relationships(Giorgetti et al., 2017).
Since the drugs taken have psychoactive effects, the risk is to develop physiological and psychological dependence . Finally, the mix of substances taken is very dangerous for the person in the case of risk of death by overdose.
What to do?
It is important to provide people with the tools to better manage their difficulties by breaking down barriers to seeking help, such as the shame and stigma often associated with drug use, and to increase social awareness toward the phenomenon that is now reported to be widespread.
Preventive interventions aimed at increasing knowledge about the “chemsex” phenomenon and its health consequences are useful in this regard, in the population that is most at risk, thus that of young men who have sex with other men.
With greater awareness of the characteristics of the substances used, the side effects, and also the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases in the case of unprotected sex, young people will be able to make a more informed and reasoned choice, reducing the likelihood of exposing themselves to such risks.
In the family, if a parent notices that his or her child is using these substances, he or she can open up to dialogue with the child and, if necessary, contact services in the area dedicated to recovery from drug addiction. It is very helpful to create a nonjudgmental confrontational context in which children can feel free to talk about their experiences. Often hostile family environments can cause avoidance of the issue and greater self-closure, which leads to exacerbation of the problem. Showing greater acceptance and willingness to listen without judgment fosters the possibility for those in distress to ask for help.
