Chemsex and slamsex are risky recreational behaviors that can expose people to considerable physical and psychological harm.
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What is Chemsex?
Chemsex is a portmanteau, or a word that is created by blending two other words together. In the case of chemsex, the two original words were chemicals (drugs) and sex.
The term chemsex refers to the voluntary use of psychoactive (or, in some cases, nonpsychoactive) substances to improve a person’s sexual performance or enhance their experience. Anyone can participate in chemsex if they so desire. However, it is most common among men who have sex with other men.
People who engage in chemsex often use substances such as:
- Methamphetamine: Often referred to as meth or crystal meth, methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. The drug’s initial effects can include increased energy, stamina, and sex drive. A meth high can last as long as 12 hours.
- Mephedrone: This synthetic substance, which is sometimes referred to as meow-meow or m-cat, is categorized as an empathogen-stimulant. Its effects can include a euphoric rush, a greater sense of connection with others, and increased sexual desire. People who use mephedrone usually snort it, though some swallow or inject it.
- GHB/GBL: GHB stands for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. GBL refers to gamma-butyrolactone. Both of these drugs are depressants that usually appear as colorless liquids. The most common way to ingest GHB or GBL is by mouth. Injection is possible, but it is rare and dangerous. When a person takes GHB or GBL, the effects can include deep relaxation, diminished inhibition, elevated mood, and increased libido.
- Alkyl nitrate: This drug is usually referred to as amyl, amyl nitrate, or poppers. It appears as a clear liquid, usually in a small bottle, which is inhaled. Effects can include relaxation, loss of inhibitions, and greater sensitivity to touch. Many people who use poppers during chemsex say that it increases their sex drive and intensifies their orgasms.
- Erectile dysfunction drugs: Many men use prescription drugs such as Cialis (tadalafil) or Viagra (Sildenafil) to help them achieve and maintain an erection. In the context of chemsex, people abuse these substances to extend the experience and delay orgasm.
What is Slamsex?
Slamsex refers to a specific form of chemsex that involves taking drugs via IV injection, either immediately before or while having sex. The name comes from “slamming,” which is a slang term for injecting drugs.
People who engage in slamsex frequently inject methamphetamine or mephedrone, though the practice can also involve GHB and other drugs.
IV drug use can be a particularly dangerous form of substance abuse, which means that slamsex has the potential to be an especially risky type of chemsex.
Dangers of Chemsex
Generally speaking, the dangers of chemsex can be separated into two categories:
- Harmful effects of the drugs themselves
- Risky behaviors while a person is under the influence of these drugs
Focusing first on the drugs themselves, the potential dangers of chemsex include:
- Physical harm: The physical risks of methamphetamine abuse include heart and lung problems, kidney and liver damage, and an impaired immune system. Mephedrone can cause muscle spasms and seizure. Abusing Viagra or Cialis can result in vision problems, abdominal pain, and sexual dysfunction. Poppers have been linked with skin damage and breathing problems.
- Psychological damage: The impact of long-term meth use can include memory loss, paranoia, hallucinations, and mood disturbances. Mephedrone use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, while GHB and GBL can cause confusion, disorientation, and memory loss.
- Addiction: Methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB, and GBL are all addictive substances. The more a person uses any of them, the greater their risk becomes of developing dependence. Once addiction occurs, a person may be unable to stop using the drugs without professional help.
- Drug interactions: Each of the drugs that are commonly included in chemsex sessions pose considerable dangers. When these drugs are taken in combination with each other, with other recreational substances (such as alcohol and marijuana), or with legitimate prescription drugs, the likelihood of both short-term damage and lasting harm can increase considerably.
- Overdose: In 2022, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recorded 34,022 overdose deaths in the category psychostimulants with abuse potential (primary methamphetamine). People who abuse mephedrone, GHB, and GBL are also at risk of overdose and death, especially if they combine these drugs with other dangerous substances.
The drugs that are frequently used for chemsex can also increase a person’s risk for engaging in harmful behaviors or being victimized by others. For example:
- While under the influence of psychoactive substances, a person may be more likely to engage in high-risk sex practices, which could expose them to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
- IV drug use, which is central to slamsex, can put a person in danger of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and other bloodborne diseases.
- GHB and GBL are often called “rape drugs.” This is due to their ability to incapacitate a person prior to an assault and impair their ability to remember what happened to them.
- Even if a person intentionally takes GHB or other mind-altering substances, they may be unable to provide consent once the drugs have taken effect.
Is There Treatment for Chemsex Addiction?
High-risk sex can be dangerous and misguided, but it is not a behavioral health disorder. The same applies to substance abuse.
Chemsex doesn’t become a treatable condition until it stops being an intentional behavior and becomes a compulsion. Once that occurs, a provider must first evaluate the patient to determine if they have sex addiction, a substance use disorder (drug addiction), or both.
The good news is that both of these are treatable conditions. The frustrating news is that it can be difficult to find a provider that can treat them both at the same time.
Phoenix Rising Recovery is one of the relatively few treatment centers that are prepared to provide the comprehensive care that can address a person’s struggles with compulsive substance abuse and co-occurring sex addiction.
At our center, adults who have developed these conditions can receive customized services at the following levels:
- Detoxification
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
When someone is in the midst of active drug addiction and co-occurring sex addiction, it can be difficult for them to envision a healthier future where they are not controlled by their compulsions. But when they get the individualized treatment and compassionate support they need, they can begin to live a much healthier and more hopeful life.
Treat Chemsex in Southern California
If you or someone in your life has become addicted to drugs and sex, Phoenix Rising Recovery can help.
Our team of experienced caregivers will work closely with you to understand the full scope of your needs. Our goal is to develop a personalized plan just for you. Every step of the way, you will be treated with the dignity, compassion, and respect you deserve.
To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
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