What is «chemsex»? And why it's important to talk about

Although sex remains, in various contexts, still somewhat taboo, in Western society sexuality today occupies a much more central role than is often acknowledged. Sex represents an essential component of many people's lives, and sexual activity is often associated with well-being and personal freedom. However, as Slate points out, globalization has contributed to standardizing sexuality, not just the way we dress, eat, or approach culture. According to the French edition of the magazine, this process of homogenization has ended up flattening cultural differences and the unique models of each society. The result is that certain practices and popular trends in contemporary Western culture have ended up spilling over and influencing the sexual dimension. One example concerns the increasing normalization of recreational drug use and the growing popularity of so-called «chemsex», which involves the use of psychoactive substances in conjunction with sexual practices, aimed at intensifying sensations.

It is important to distinguish chemsex from the occasional use of substances, stronger or weaker, during sexual encounters – now relatively normalized in the West, especially among younger people. In chemsex, however, the link between substance and sexual activity is structural: sessions usually take place in private settings organized ad hoc or in scheduled meetups via apps like Grindr or Telegram groups, and often involve multiple types of drugs. «The characteristics of these meetings are that people use substances to prolong, enhance, and above all diversify the experience, therefore the sexual pleasure itself,» explains Filippo Leserri, president of Plus Roma, an association supporting people living with HIV or «sero-impacted» (i.e., indirectly affected by HIV), to VD News. «Many people – adds Leserri – report that doing chemsex makes them feel more connected with other partners and, above all, more free to explore a queer sexuality».

The term «chemsex» was coined around the 2000s by British activist and operator David Stuart in 2001. The most commonly used synthetic substances in chemsex include more or less controlled doses of methamphetamines (also known as crystal meth) or mephedrone (often referred to as MCAT), which act on the central nervous system by increasing sexual desire and prolonging physical stamina, among other effects. However, the experience is not without risks. For this reason, chemsex sessions are usually organized in contexts considered relatively safe, although the risk of developing addiction remains very real – which is why many operators in the field believe it is important to speak more openly about chemsex.

On the psychological level, for example, chemsex can trigger a behavioral addiction: the combined use of substances and sexual practices can create a mental association between consumption and pleasure, making it difficult to return to sexuality not mediated by drugs. The consequences of chemsex also extend, above all, to physical health due to potential addiction; the prolonged duration of sessions further entails significant risks. For this reason, various LGBTQ+ organizations and associations have developed dedicated information and support programs, aiming to promote greater awareness about chemsex. These organizations, in addition to educating about the phenomenon, facilitate access to psychological and medical counseling services for those who believe they may have a chemsex addiction.