Chemsex: Harm reduction and support
Chemsex or "party and play" (PnP) are terms used to designate the intentional use of drugs to initiate, facilitate, intensify, or prolong sexual activities. This practice, often in groups, is more common among gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
The substances most often associated with chemsex include methamphetamine (crystal meth), GHB/GBL, and ketamine.
Our objective here is not to pass judgment on this practice, but to offer factual health information and concrete harm reduction strategies to ensure your safety and well-being.
Understanding the motivations and the risks
Whether to reduce inhibition, or to heighten sensations or pleasure, PnP is not without risk. The use of psychoactive substances can alter judgment regarding one's own limits and those of others.
- Risks for physical health: The risk of overdose is real, especially when mixing substances. Potentially dangerous interactions with prescription medications, including certain HIV treatments, are also possible.
- Risks for sexual health: Lowered inhibitions and longer sessions can increase the risk of HIV and STI transmission, as well as the risk of physical injury.
- Risks for mental health: The "come down" after use can lead to significant anxiety or depressive moods. In the longer term, frequent use can exacerbate or trigger mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
- The issue of consent: The use of substances can make the concept of clear and informed consent much more complex.
Harm reduction: strategies for more safety
Adopting a harm reduction approach means giving yourself the tools to make safer choices for yourself and for others.
Before the session:
- Get informed: Learn about the substances, their effects, and their interactions.
- Prepare your supplies: Bring your own protection (condoms, lube), your own consumption equipment (straws, pipes, syringes), and do not share them.
- Plan for a naloxone kit: If opioids might be consumed, having naloxone on hand can save a life.
During the session:
- Start low, go slow: Only consume a small amount at first to assess the strength of the product.
- Hydrate and eat: Drink plenty of water and try to eat a little.
- Lubricate generously: Use plenty of lubricant to limit friction and injuries.
After the session:
- Consider PEP: If you had a potential HIV exposure and are not on PrEP, PEP is an emergency option within 72 hours.
- Get regular screenings: A complete STI screening every 3 months is a pillar of your sexual health.
Votre pharmacie : un point d'accès confidentiel aux outils
Votre pharmacie est un allié de première ligne pour la réduction des méfaits. En toute confidentialité et sans jugement, nous offrons :
- La distribution gratuite de trousses de naloxone.
- L'accès à du matériel d'injection stérile.
- Des conseils sur les interactions médicamenteuses entre les drogues et vos traitements.
- Un accès simple à tous les outils de prévention des ITSS : PrEP, PPE, Doxy-PEP et condoms.
Where to find support
Are you a GBTQ+ man who engages in Chemsex and needs resources and/or support to reduce, stop, or question your practice? Discover what the organization RÉZO has to offer.
- CATIE: Canada's source for HIV, hepatitis C, and sexual health information, with a dedicated section on chemsex.
- Addiction helplines can offer listening and psychosocial support (e.g., Drugs: Help and Referral at 1-800-265-2626).
