Chemsex support and advice for professionals

This page will give you professional advice and guidance for supporting someone who is using chemsex drugs.  

What is chemsex?

The term ‘chemsex’ describes when people have sex involving one or more of three specific drugs: 

  • Methamphetamine  
  • Mephedrone 
  • GHB/GBL 

Chemsex is most common among men who have sex with men, but it is becoming more common among people engaging in heterosexual sex and people identifying as LGBT+. 

All of the drugs involved can be harmful individually and in combination. 

Find out more about the effects of chemsex drugs here.

How to support someone  who uses chemsex drugs 

Supporting someone who is using chemsex drugs should begin with an open, honest conversation. It’s important to explore each person’s situation, including what drugs they are taking, how often, and their physical, health, mental health, and social circumstances.  

Everyone’s situation will be different, and the support they need will vary. If someone is experiencing issues with their mental health, you could direct them to local mental health support. If they identify as LGBT+, you could direct them to specialist LGBT+ services.  

You can find advice and guidance on our chemsex information page, or our harm reduction page for crystal meth, mephedrone and GHB/GBL.

Referring someone to our services

You can refer someone to Change Grow Live if we have a service in your area. Our services provide a range of support for people who are struggling with substance misuse. We can support them through their journey to recovery and provide advice about reducing the harmful effects of drugs.

Chemsex and blood borne virus medications

 Chemicals contained in some HIV and hepatitis C treatments can interact with various drugs. The interaction can make the effects of the drugs stronger and cause them to stay in someone’s system for longer.   

This can be illegal, prescription, homeopathic, or other types of drugs. The risks associated with this include overdose, heart attack, and seizures.  

People who are HIV+ do not have to disclose their status to their GP, so it is important to try and ascertain someone’s HIV status when they enter into treatment in a service.   

Find out more about HIV

Useful links

  • The Terrence Higgins Trust

    A national HIV and sexual health charity and support service.

  • Friday/Monday

    The Terrence Higgins Trust’s drug and alcohol support service for gay and bisexual men.

  • MEN R US

    MENRUS has very comprehensive advice on chemsex.

  • 56 Dean St

    A friendly, convenient, free NHS sexual health and HIV clinic in London.

  • London Friend

    Health and wellbeing for LGBTIQ people as well as Antidote, a specific LGBTIQ drug and alcohol project.

  • The Northern

    A sexual health and HIV service in Manchester.

  • Brighton Sexual Health

    A sexual health and HIV service in Brighton.

  • Birmingham LGBT

    A sexual health and wellbeing service in Birmingham, with specific advice on chemsex.

two men sitting down having a group conversation