CHEMSEX OR THE FATAL SEX AND DRUG DUO

Chemsex?

This contraction of the English terms chemicals (chemicals) and sex refers to the use of narcotics in the context of sexual practices.

Appeared in England in the mid-2000s, sexual practices under the influence of narcotics are developing dangerously

They spread first in the gay community before seducing non-homosexual groups, especially young heterosexuals.

Initially very urban, it spread to rural areas or among rather young populations. The Covid-19 epidemic and its successive confinements have brought out a solitary chemsex, with consumption of substances during sessions of watching pornographic films.

Most often, the drugs used are synthetic cathinones (including 3-MMC and 4-MEC), GHB and methamphetamine crystals as well as, to a lesser extent, cocaine, MDMA or ketamine.

The practice is also accompanied by the use of poppers or other disinhibiting substances that influence libido and stamina, such as alcohol.

What is the desired effect?

"Sexual performance, above all. The use of drugs, in this context, aims first of all to increase the time of enjoyment. These drugs increase the coital time, increase the pleasure, amplify the desire, but also the number of intercourse and the full time of sexual practice.

These are generally marathons of several hours, sometimes several days, and most of the time in groups", according to Pr Amine Benyamina, head of the psychiatry and addiction department at the Paul-Brousse Hospital (AP-HP). member of his family died in a chemsex"

What are the dangers of Chemsex?

The death ?

Chemsex is a dangerous practice that leads users to consume more and more drugs in an irresistible way (craving).

The consumption of ketamine is associated with mood disorders, hallucinations and states of panic.

Cocaine, methamphetamine and cathinones lead to cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory risks, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts.

GHB/GBL can cause unconsciousness. In general, these drug cocktails can lead to overdoses, poisoning and comas. Even death.

Because of their lack of inhibition, chemsex enthusiasts do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves (sharing syringes, forgetting condoms). As a result, STIs and other contaminations by HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis are on the rise.

Finally, chemsex is associated with an increase in sexual assault and rape since the notion of sexual consent cannot always be clearly established.

According to a report submitted in 2022 to the Ministry of Solidarity and Health by Pr Amine Benyamina, the practice of Chemsex could concern around 20% of men who have sex with men, potentially 100,000 to 200,000 people in France.

A meta-analysis published in 2019 estimates that this prevalence would be between 3 to 29% in the United States and Europe.

As soon as addiction to chemsex is proven, it is necessary to consult a trusted health professional.

The CSAPAs (Centres for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology) bring together addictologists, doctors and nurses who know the subject perfectly.

Faced with the increase in, the association AIDES has set up an emergency call number

(+33 1 77 93 97 77), an SMS line via the WhatsApp application (+33 7 62 93 22 29) and a private discussion group on Facebook.