Chem sex- A deep look into GHB

Chemsex (also known as party and play or wired play) refers to the use of drugs during sex. This type of sex typically relies on the arousal-increasing properties of specific stimulants and is most commonly used among men who have sex with men. This makes chemsex more prevalent in communities of gay and bisexual men. The specific drugs involved make this type of sexual activity particularly risky. The three drugs involved in chemsex can cause physical and psychological harm. Alongside the addiction potential (in terms of substances and specific behaviours), engaging in chemsex can come with a range of different risks. Being aware of these risks is one of the key ways to stay as safe as possible if engaging with chemsex in any way.

What is Chemsex?

Chemsex is defined as ‘intention sex under the influence of psychoactive drugs, mostly among men who have sex with men.’ It involves the use of specific substances in order to make sexual experiences more intense and pleasurable.

What drugs are used for Chemsex?

Many different drugs can be used to facilitate sexual sessions. However, chemsex usually refers to the use of three drugs:

1. GHB
2. Methamphetamine (crystal meth)
3. Mephedrone

Each of these drugs (or ‘chems’) creates a different effect on the user.

GHB is short for Gamma-hydroxybutyrate. It is classed as a party drug. It is a depressant, meaning that it can cause feelings of relaxation, boosted mood, increased sociability and sex drive. This can make individuals feel more likely to engage in sex when they otherwise may not.

Whilst GHB is classed as a depressant, both methamphetamine and mephedrone are stimulants. This means that they cause an increase in certain functions of our bodies, leading to a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure. They can also increase sexual libido and trigger feelings of euphoria (a type of intense happiness that can often be disproportionate to the specific situation that you are in). This euphoric mood can be very pleasurable and can work to reduce inhibitions.

What is the appeal?

Using GHB, Meth, or mephedrone can make sex more pleasurable. But what does this actually mean? Chemsex is used for various reasons, such as:

• Experiencing ‘better’ sex
• Reduced inhibitions
• Increased pleasure
• Longer lasting sexual sessions
• Feeling instantly connected with sexual partners

Some individuals report that engaging in chemsex can help them to manage difficult feelings, such as ‘ lack of confidence and self-esteem, internalised homophobia, and stigma about their HIV status.’

Chemsex is thought to have been born out of ‘the uniqueness of gay sex and gay culture.’ Whilst drug-facilitated sex can be practised outside of these contexts, chemsex is a phenomenon linked specifically to the history of gay culture. It is thought to have been linked to the rise in ‘hook-up’ culture and casual sex opportunities that came with the technological innovation of sex/dating apps. It has also been linked to the shared trauma of the HIV/AIDs epidemic and associated stigma associated with gay sexual practice.

Chemsex focuses on the enhancement of pleasure – with the ability to engage in sexual sessions for hours with multiple partners; this type of activity can be very pleasurable for some individuals. However, chemsex does not come without its dangers.

Understanding GHB

GHB is an illegal drug. Its risks can be found both in and outside of a chemsex context. Known as liquid ecstasy, the drug is known for its ‘party’ effects. However, GHB has been linked with serious medical emergencies and even, in some cases, death.

GHB can cause the following short-term effects:

• Relaxation
• Sociability
• Hallucinations
• Heightened sensitivity
• Lack of inhibition

All of these symptoms can make sex feel less daunting and more enjoyable. However, it can also cause a range of negative effects, such as:

• Ataxia
• Hallucinations
• Blackouts
• Seizures
• Coma
• Respiratory arrest
• Chemical dependency

Potential risks of Chemsex

1. Chem Sex-specific dangers
2. Addiction and dependency
3. Mental health concerns

Chemsex-specific dangers

Chem sex has been described as a ‘perfect storm for transmission of communicable diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. This is because chemsex usually involves injecting drugs. Alongside potentially unprotected sex, the use of drugs intravenously can significantly increase the contraction of serious diseases.

Chemsex is defined as consensual. However, due to a loss of inhibitions and the powerful influence of stimulants, there is a large risk of social, physical and sexual boundaries being crossed during chemsex.

Addiction and dependency

Engaging in chemsex increases the risk of addiction in three ways. By mixing heavy substances with sexual activity in search of intense pleasure, you may find yourself at increased risk of developing either a:

• Drug addiction
• Sex and love addiction
• Porn addiction

Endorphins in our brains are released when we use specific substances, as well as when we are being intimate. The melding of the two can lead to a reinforcement of sex or drugs as the ultimate forms of pleasure. When the search for these becomes out of our control, it is possible to spiral into stimulant or GHB addiction. It can also lead to behavioural addiction, leading to a potentially unhealthy engagement with sexual activity (either engaging physically or virtually through watching pornographic content). If you are engaging with chemsex, it is important to be aware of the signs of drug addiction, as well as symptoms of potential behavioural dependencies.

Mental health concerns

Chemsex requires exposure to powerful substances. When this is engaged with repeatedly, it can lead to a range of potential mental health concerns, such as:

• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Suicidality
• Aggression
• Addiction

If you do not feel safe in a chemsex environment, you may risk developing trauma-related mental health issues, such as:

• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Flashbacks

Harm reduction and support

If you wish to engage in chemsex, there are some precautions you can take to increase the safety of yourself and others around you. These include:

• Do not share needles
• Expose of sharps safely
• Administer drugs without injecting where possible
• Set group rules and respect boundaries
• Use condoms
• Disclose sexual history and health information
• Use medications such as PrEP
• Do not mix ‘chems’ with other substances (including alcohol)
• If possible, only engage when there is someone you know present
• If you feel your boundaries are not being respected, level immediately