Chemsex

Chemsex is the use of recreational drugs before or during sexual activity, usually to change or prolong the sexual experience. It is also known as party and play (PnP), pharmacosex or wired play. The practice can be dangerous and has been linked with drug overdose, addiction, unsafe sex, sexual assault and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Chemsex danger illustration showing drugs used during sex and the risks associated with chemsex.

Chemsex is most commonly associated with parts of the gay nightlife and hookup scene, although sex and drugs are by no means limited to gay people. The term is particularly well known in European cities such as London, Berlin and Amsterdam.

WikiSexGuide does not recommend chemsex. Mixing drugs with sex can make it much harder to judge a situation, particularly when meeting strangers, hookups, escorts or other people while travelling.

Where It Happens

Chemsex normally takes place in private rather than in ordinary public nightlife. Apartments, hotel rooms, private parties and after-parties are common settings. Some meetings are arranged through dating and hookup apps.

The scene is particularly associated with some large-city gay nightlife and after-party circles.

Drugs Used in Chemsex

Drugs associated with chemsex include:

  • GHB / GBL
  • Methamphetamine
  • Cocaine
  • MDMA
  • Poppers

The risks vary greatly depending on the drug. Mixing several substances can be especially dangerous and may result in unconsciousness or drug overdose.

Chemsex and Escorts

Drugs may sometimes be present at private parties or encounters involving escorts and sex workers. Never accept an unknown drug from an escort, hookup or stranger and never allow somebody to pressure you into taking something.

A heavily intoxicated or unconscious person may be unable to give consent.

Risks

The main dangers connected with chemsex include:

The risks generally increase when drug use and sexual activity continue for long periods.

Consent

Being drunk or high does not remove the need for consent.

Sex should stop if somebody becomes unconscious, confused or unable to communicate properly.

Never secretly put drugs into another person's drink, food or lubricant. Apart from being extremely dangerous, doing so may be a serious criminal offence.

If you believe somebody has drugged you without your knowledge, get away from the situation if possible and seek medical help.

GHB / GBL

GHB and GBL can be particularly dangerous.

Too much can cause vomiting, unconsciousness, breathing problems, coma and death. The danger increases considerably when GHB or GBL is combined with alcohol or other depressant drugs.

Never drink an unidentified liquid given to you by somebody you do not trust.

Sexual Health

Drug use can affect judgement about safe sex and condom use. Long sexual sessions may also cause injuries which can increase the risk of infection.

Important infections include:

People regularly having sex with new or multiple partners should consider regular sexual health testing.

Travel Risks

Drug laws differ greatly around the world. Possession of a quantity considered minor in one country may result in arrest or imprisonment somewhere else.

Drug penalties can be particularly severe in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Never carry recreational drugs across an international border.

Stay Safe

If drugs appear during a hookup or party:

  • Do not take unknown drugs
  • Do not accept unidentified pills, powders or liquids
  • Keep an eye on your drink wether it contains alcohol or not
  • Do not mix unknown substances
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into taking drugs
  • Keep your phone, money, passport and valuables secure
  • Use condoms and practice safe sex
  • Leave if the situation feels unsafe

Private parties and after-parties with strangers require particular caution. Drugs can make an already unfamiliar situation much harder to control.

Emergency

Difficulty breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, extreme confusion or being unable to wake somebody after drug use can be signs of a medical emergency.

Do not simply assume an unconscious person needs to sleep.

See Also

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