Gay chemsex

For some, however, experimentation becomes riskier as they chase guaranteed highs or specific sensations. Using and withdrawing from crystal meth is often extremely distressing, both physically and mentally — in some cases inducing heart problems, paranoia, aggression and even suicidal ideation.

Chemsex (also known as party and play or wired play) refers to the use of drugs during sex. They are used at chemsex parties to reduce sexual inhibitions and bring about euphoria and drowsiness. The term chemsex also refers to the parties, often hosted by dealers of chemsex drugs, where men meet up to take drugs and have sex.

Chemsex is distinct to sex that takes place after gay men have used recreational drugs coincidentally. As with any other addiction, people can find themselves doing things they did not intend to do, bringing about guilt, shame or disassociation with self.

Chemsex is a cultural phenomenon: It’s more than just drugs and sex, and it’s unique to gay men, Stuart says. This makes chemsex more prevalent in communities of gay and bisexual men. As drugs are used more frequently and in greater quantities, the risks of physical and psychological addiction increase too.

As with any drug use or reward-seeking behaviour, no-one ever starts out with the intention of doing themselves or other people harm or getting addicted. In extreme cases, people need to dose every hour in order to prevent the onset of severe withdrawal symptoms. It releases dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

For tourists in big cities, chemsex can be a way of connecting very quickly with the gay community and enjoying sexual experiences. Michael was brain dead with no hope of recovery. He identifies a few forces that have shaped queer culture around drugs and sex. Chemsex is a term coined by activist David Stuart describing gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM) having sex under the influence of psychoactive drugs.

The drugs that are typically used for chemsex have a range of mood-altering effects, as well as significant risks to the user. It can be psychologically addictive. Instead, chemsex is the intentional use of drugs to fuel, enhance or prolong sexual activity.

Chemsex also carries a risk of contracting STIs including HIV, due to the effect of reducing sexual inhibitions or safe practices. When addiction sets in, the choice about engaging in chemsex — including how often, how long and what people do — is diminished or non-existent.

Paddick rushed to the hospital to say goodbye. Side effects can include hallucinations, insomnia, inflammation, heart palpitations and anxiety. Associated risks of chemsex: Apart from the risks of drug poisoning or fatal drug overdose, chemsex has also been connected in some cases to violence, rape and even murder of gay men.

He returned to the party and lay down on the sofa, where he started snoring. ChemSex is a term that is used when people are having sex, which involves using one or more of three specific drugs (chems) in any combination. Methamphetamine crystal meth : this drug is highly addictive and can be very potent.

This type of sex typically relies on the arousal-increasing properties of specific stimulants and is most commonly used among men who have sex with men. They include:. Michael was at a chemsex party, where he took GHB. He took a second dose of GHB by mistake and then made himself sick, which he believed would prevent an overdose.

If physical addiction develops, then withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety , shaking, sweating and insomnia. For some gay men, chemsex is a form of self-expression and liberation, in a world that has felt isolating or prejudiced at times. People take part in ChemSex for a number of different reasons, some find it increases sexual stimulation, for other people it can reduce their inhibitions.

Mephedrone meph : mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant that brings about feelings of euphoria and causes a speedy sensation. The Chemsex drugs facilitate. Crystal meth can make people feel extremely high, charged, alert and sexually aroused with decreased sexual inhibitions.

For many people, gay and straight, hedonistic sex-fuelled with drugs starts off as experimentation. Brian Paddick has now spoken out very movingly about the loss of his former partner and friend, Michael. Brian Paddick, the former deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, have spoken out movingly about the dangers of the chemsex drug, GHB.

But what help is there to stop for people who get addicted to chemsex?