Body Positive’s Executive Director, Mark Fisher, explores the risks and realities of chemsex and ways to protect yourself.
Chemsex (or Party n Play) is a reality for some within our community. While chemsex can offer intense experiences, it’s equally important to be aware of potential risks, maintain your well-being, and protect your sexual health. It’s important to be aware of the following:
Physical Effects:
Drugs can strain the cardiovascular system, lead to dehydration, and potentially cause long-term health issues. Mixing substances increases the risk of overdose.
Mental and Emotional Effects:
Chemsex can influence mood, anxiety levels, and emotional regulation. It’s important to be mindful of how these substances affect your mental health.
Sexual Health:
Engaging in sexual activity under the influence can increase the risk of STIs.
Common substances used include methamphetamine (crystal meth or P) and GHB/GBL (G or WAZ). These drugs affect the body and mind in various ways, and understanding their impact is key to making informed choices.
Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth):
Meth can cause increased energy, euphoria, heightened sexual desire, and reduced inhibitions. It releases a large amount of dopamine into the brain, simulating euphoria and pleasure. However, it can also lead to anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia.
Prolonged use can have significant impacts on mental and physical health, including cardiovascular problems and psychosis.
It is important to be aware that meth can cause a rapid increase in body temperature and that staying hydrated is crucial.
GHB/GBL:
GHB/GBL can induce relaxation, euphoria, and increased sociability. However, it has a narrow window between desired effects and overdose.
It can cause rapid loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and even death, especially when mixed with alcohol or other depressants.
It is very important to be aware that small increases in dosage can cause large increases in effect. The effects of G ‘stack’ over time, meaning repeated doses can quickly lead to an unintended overdose.
Protecting Sexual Health
Regular STI Testing:
Consistent testing is crucial for early detection and treatment of STIs. Most STIs can be easily treated, and this breaks the transmission cycle.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):
PrEP is a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It’s a proactive approach to sexual health and is fully funded—talk to your GP, Sexual Health, or PocketLab.nz.
DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of bacterial STIs, such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea, when taken shortly after potential exposure.
Condoms and Lubricant:
While not foolproof, condoms remain a vital tool in preventing STI transmission.
Recognising Shifts in Your Experience
It’s natural for experiences to evolve. However, it’s helpful to be aware of potential signs that your drug use might be impacting your life in ways you didn’t intend:
Changes in Frequency or Dosage:
If you notice yourself using more often or needing higher doses, it’s worth reflecting on why. Ask yourself: When was the last time you had sober sex? Are you only able to have sex while using G?
Impact on Daily Life:
Are your responsibilities, relationships, or personal goals being affected? Are your non-drug-using friends becoming distant?
Emotional Fluctuations:
Have you noticed changes in your mood, anxiety, or overall well-being? Have other people noticed and expressed concern?
Physical Changes:
Are you experiencing any noticeable changes in your physical health?
Difficulty Setting Limits:
Do you find it hard to stick to your intended limits?
Prioritising Safety and Well-being
Whether you’re exploring chemsex or have been engaging in it for some time, these strategies can help you prioritise your well-being:
Know Your Substances:
Understand the effects and potential risks of the drugs you’re using. KnowYourStuffNZ provides drug-checking services, allowing you to know what substances you’re actually using.
Set Limits:
Establish clear boundaries for your drug use. Make a plan—use small, achievable steps to reach your goal. Be aware of triggers and let your friends know that you are managing your use.
Safer Practices:
If injecting, utilise the Needle Exchange for sterile equipment.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
Take care of your physical needs.
Look Out for Each Other:
Support your friends and be mindful of their well-being. Avoid using alone and get your drugs checked. Fentanyl and nitazines have been found mixed into other drugs and can cause overdoses very quickly, which can be deadly. Learn how to use Naloxone and have it on hand if opioids are a risk.
If Something Goes Wrong:
Stay calm, find a safe place, and if needed, call 111 for help. For stimulants, cool down. For GHB/GBL, if someone loses consciousness, place them in the recovery position and call for help.
Seeking Support and Information
Remember, prioritising your well-being is a sign of self-care.
- Body Positive offers a range of resources.
- Rewired is a peer-led support group to help bring your PnP into focus when you are ready.
- TheLevel.org.nz is a straight-up guide for people who use drugs.
- If you’re thinking about cutting down, MethHelp offers free and confidential nationwide phone counselling.
If you’re engaging in chemsex, staying informed and taking proactive steps can help keep you and others safe.
Photos | ReWired.
