What is chemsex?

Chemsex is when people use certain drugs before or during sex.

Some people say these drugs make sex feel more enjoyable or last longer. Chemsex sessions can sometimes last for many hours or even days.

Using drugs during sex can affect your judgement. You may take risks that you would not normally take. This can raise the risk of getting HIV, other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), or Blood-Borne Viruses such as Hepatitis C.

Using illegal drugs can seriously harm your health and can sometimes lead to death.
Our clinic is a safe place to talk about chemsex. We will listen, support you, and never judge you.

Why do people take part in chemsex?

People take part chemsex for different reasons. Everyone’s experience is different.

  • Some people say chemsex can:
  • Make sex feel more enjoyable. 
  • Help them feel more confident. 
  • Help them feel less worried or anxious. 
  • Make it easier to meet or connect with other people. 
  • Make sex last longer. 
  • Increase sexual pleasure. 


Some people use chems because they find it hard to enjoy sex without drugs. 

Some people may have chemsex because they are coping with difficult feelings or experiences.

Drugs used in chemsex


The three drugs most often linked with chemsex are:

Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) - also known as crystal meth, Tina, crystal, or ice.

Methamphetamine can:
•    Make you feel full of energy.
•    Increase your confidence.
•    Make sex feel more intense.
•    Make you take more risks.

It can also cause:
•   Trouble sleeping.
•   Anxiety or paranoia.
•   Fast heartbeat.
•   Depression after the drug wears off.
•   Psychosis in some people.

Mephedrone - also known as meow meow, M-CAT, or 4-MMC.

Mephedrone can:
•   Make you feel awake and more energetic.
•   Increase confidence.
•   Make you feel more sociable.

It can also cause:
•   Anxiety.
•   Panic.
•   Fast heartbeat.
•   High body temperature.
•   Seizures.
•   Feeling low after the drug wears off.

GHB and GBL - also known as G or Gina.

GHB and GBL can:
•    Help you feel relaxed.
•    Increase your interest in sex.
•    Lower your inhibitions.

They can also cause:
•   Sleepiness.
•   Confusion.
•   Memory loss.
•   Passing out.
•   Slowed or stopped breathing.

These drugs have a high risk of overdose.
Call 999 straight away if someone cannot be woken up, has trouble breathing, has a seizure, or becomes unconscious after taking GHB or GBL.

Risks of chemsex

Chemsex can raise your risk of:

  • HIV and other STIs.
  • Hepatitis C from sharing injecting equipment.
  • Drug overdose.
  • Anxiety, depression, or paranoia.
  • Damage to your body during long sex sessions.
  • Becoming dependent on drugs.
  • Problems with work, relationships, or daily life.


Some people also find they cannot enjoy sex without using drugs.

Someone cannot consent to sex if they are: 
•    Asleep. 
•    Unconscious (Passed Out).
•    Too affected by drugs or alcohol.


Before using drugs or having sex, think about:
•    -What you do and do not want to do.
•    -How you will tell other people your boundaries.
•    -Who you trust to be with. 

There is no completely safe way to use illegal drugs. If you choose to use them, these tips may help reduce the risks:

•    Learn about the drugs before you take them.
•    Start with a small amount.
•    Avoid mixing different drugs or alcohol.
•    Stay with people you know and trust.
•    Share your location with someone you trust.
•    Eat food, drink water, and try to get some rest.
•    Keep a note of what drugs you have taken.
•    Never share needles or injecting equipment.
•    Use condoms and lubricant.
•    Think about taking PrEP if you are at risk of HIV.
•    Have regular STI and HIV tests.

Call 999 straight away if someone:
•    Becomes unconscious.
•    Has trouble breathing. 
•    Has a seizure. 

Chemsex may be becoming a problem if:

•    You find it hard to enjoy sex without drugs.
•    You feel you cannot control your drug use.
•    It is affecting your work, relationships, or daily life.
•    You feel anxious, depressed, or paranoid after using drugs.
•    You keep getting STIs or other health problems.
•    You feel you need drugs to have sex.

Getting help early can make a big difference.

Our clinic is here to help. We can talk to you about your sex life, drug use, and sexual health. These discussions are private. Our staff are here to support you, and they will not judge you. 

We can:
•    Test and treat STIs.
•    Offer HIV testing and PrEP.
•    Give advice about safer sex and safer drug use.

Help you access drug and alcohol services such as:
North Tyneside Recovery Partnership (NTRP) - 0191 640 0180  
Northumberland Recovery Partnership (NRP) - 01670 333 299 (Choose Option 1)