Chemsex

Updated: OCTOBER 23, 2017

Chemsex is the scenario in which two or more people take drugs with the intended purpose of increasing the pleasure of sex. Chemsex most commonly includes methamphetamine, mephedrone, or GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate). The term Chemsex came out of the U.K., where it is believed to be a relatively common practice within the gay community. A 2014 study found that 20% of gay men in London had participated in Chemsex in the last five years.

Chem sex is also known as party and play.

More About Chemsex

The prevalence of chemsex continues to increase as the addictive attributes of the chosen drugs take hold. Chemsex is often brought into conversations involving consent and a person's ability to give it while under the influence of drugs. Chemsex is also often brought up as one of the potential factors for the increased rate of STI transmission in the U.K., as people tend to care less about safer sex practices while under the influence of drugs.