The deliberate use of particular recreational drugs before or during sex to heighten, lengthen or intensify the experience. It is most closely linked with gay and bisexual men and the wider MSM community, though people of any orientation can be involved. It often goes hand in hand with hookup apps, private parties, group sex and very long sessions. The term is thought to have come out of the UK gay scene around the late 2000s and early 2010s.
The substances most often linked with it are:
- Methamphetamine: a strong stimulant that raises energy, confidence and sex drive and reduces the need for sleep.
- GHB/GBL: depressants that can bring euphoria, relaxation, lowered inhibitions and stronger physical sensation.
- Mephedrone: a synthetic stimulant associated with arousal, sociability, emotional intensity and a burst of energy.
- Alkyl nitrites (“poppers”): inhalants that give a brief rush and relax smooth muscle, which is why some people use them during anal sex.
Some are drawn to the intensity of sensation and the feeling of being freer to explore fantasies. Others describe it as a break from shame, loneliness, social anxiety or body-image pressure, which can weigh heavily in queer communities. Many talk about a strong sense of closeness and emotional openness, or about the feeling of stepping outside normal time and everyday life.
Safety & Consent
Because these drugs carry physical risks and impair judgement, chemsex comes with serious health and safety concerns. Depending on what is taken, these include overdose, dangerous interactions between drugs, blackouts, dehydration, going without sleep, psychosis, addiction and lasting effects on mental health. Long sessions add the risk of injury and exhaustion, and the mix of impaired judgement, multiple partners and less condom use raises the chance of sexually transmitted infections. Harm-reduction advice commonly includes keeping cool and hydrated, not mixing substances, using sterile equipment, limiting how much and how often drugs are used, using condoms and PrEP, and agreeing consent and limits while sober. None of these measures make chemsex safe.
Drugs carry real risk. Mixing GHB/GBL with alcohol or other downers can stop someone breathing, and poppers can be dangerous with erectile-dysfunction medication. If someone can't be woken or is struggling to breathe, call your local emergency number. Confidential drug and chemsex support is on our Support & Crisis Lines page.
