What is chemsex?
Drugs have long been a part of our community, but the substances used and how they are used have changed over time. Chemsex is the use of drugs during sex - often to enhance desire, reduce inhibitions or to have sex for longer.
Chemsex is particularly common among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, but also occurs among transgender, non-binary and other queer communities. It often involves multiple partners and sex that can last from a few hours to several days.
Vilka droger som används varierar, men vanliga chemsexdroger är GHB/GBL, metamfetamin (”Tina”), mefedron och ketamin. Det är vanligt att olika substanser kombineras för att förstärka ruset eller balansera effekterna av varandra. Vill du läsa mer om olika sorters droger och deras effekter? Klicka här.
For many, chemsex can be a route to a very intense and pleasurable sex life. Drugs such as GHB and methamphetamine can greatly increase sex drive, making sex feel intense, uninhibited and intimate at the same time. For some, it is also about coping with feelings of loneliness or insecurity, or creating a sense of community and belonging. For some, chemsex becomes the only way to enjoy sex, while for others it is something that belongs to specific situations.
Chemsex, like all drug use, can carry risks. These include overdoses, increased risk of HIV and other STIs, and consequences for both physical and mental health. For some, letting go of inhibitions can lead to sex they wouldn't otherwise have - sometimes as a conscious goal, but it can also lead to experiences they later regret. Some people find it difficult to enjoy sex without drugs, especially if the drugs are used to numb discomfort or manage difficult emotions rather than to enhance pleasure.
Not everyone who has chemsex will have problems with it. But if the drugs start to take over, or if you find that chemsex is having too much of an impact on your physical, mental or sexual health, there is support available. At the Sexperts Counseling Center, you can talk to a counselor who will listen without judgment - whether you want to stop, take a break, improve your sex life, or just understand more about yourself.
