Chemsex: a contraction of “chemical” and “sex,” refers to a practice that is still relatively unknown, yet very present. Understanding its mechanisms is a first step toward breaking down taboos.

Picture this: You're a gay man in the 1970s. Clubs are your refuge, places where electrifying music and strobe lights help you forget, for the duration of an evening, an outside world that is often hostile. Substances like ecstasy or cocaine are particularly popular, intensifying sensations and collective energy, transforming every dance into an almost transcendent experience.

It’s in one of your favorite clubs that you first hear about a practice becoming increasingly popular among certain members of the community: chemsex. You are told about encounters where sexuality and drugs intertwine, creating a shared euphoria but also a complex space where pleasure and risk coexist closely.

In fact, this story doesn't belong only to a distant era. Chemsex is a practice that has endured and is still very present today. It is primarily practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM). However, today, substances such as mephedrone, GHB, GBL, ketamine, and alkyl nitrites (known as poppers) are among the most commonly used for chemsex.

What’s the appeal of chemsex?

People who practice chemsex often report that the experience fulfills a need for stronger connection, intimacy, and emotional closeness with others. Some substances, such as methamphetamine or GHB, deeply alter the perception of social interactions. They can reduce inhibitions, lessen social anxiety, and amplify sensations of pleasure, creating the impression of a stronger, more authentic, or more immediate bond with partners. From a neurobiological perspective, these substances act on neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and sometimes oxytocin, which play a key role in pleasure, reward, and attachment. This stimulation can intensify feelings of complicity, desire, and emotional openness, creating the impression of an exceptional connection.

In addition, certain stimulants can significantly delay the need for sleep, delay ejaculation, and increase sexual desire and arousal. These effects are ideal for people who wish to prolong pleasure over extended periods ;)

And there must be risks, right?

Unfortunately, nothing in life is perfect, and chemsex is no exception. First, we must consider the risks related to consent. Consent in chemsex is a central issue because the substances consumed can alter judgment, the perception of boundaries, and the ability to make informed decisions. In this context, it becomes more difficult to ensure that a “yes” is truly free and ongoing, or that a refusal is clearly expressed and respected. Substances such as GHB or ketamine can even blur the line between being awake and being unconscious, which further complicates the issue of consent. Discussing desires and boundaries before the encounter can help ensure that everyone’s consent is respected.

There are also risks associated with substance use itself. For example, dehydration is a common issue during sexual activity under the influence of drugs. Certain substances also suppress feelings of hunger or fatigue, which can become dangerous over extended periods. One way to reduce risks is to schedule several breaks to rest, eat, and stay hydrated.

The risks of taboo

Chemsex is practiced mainly in private settings and can be difficult to access for people who are not part of this community. There is also little information and few resources available on the topic, and the practice remains largely unknown to the general public. This can create a certain marginalization, which may lead to significant isolation and feelings of shame for those who practice it. There is no universal definition of chemsex. For some, it is considered a practice specific to men who have sex with men, while others define it according to specific substances. This diversity of definitions can create confusion, but also a sense of isolation among those concerned, who may struggle to recognize themselves or feel included within these different perceptions.

Ultimately, chemsex is neither simply a “trendy phenomenon” nor a practice to be demonized at all costs. As is often the case, the greatest danger does not come solely from the substances or the practices themselves, but from the silence surrounding them.

Because ultimately, the more we whisper, the less we inform ourselves, and the greater the risks become. On the other hand, by speaking openly about chemsex without judgment, without shame, and with a healthy dose of honesty, we create a space where it becomes possible to better understand, better support, and above all, better protect ourselves.

‍