Chemsex Rehabilitation Treatment
What is Chemsex?
The origins of chemsex originate on sexual networking apps for gay men, the phrase coined by the gay men’s health sector. Chemsex refers to the use of any combination of drugs that include crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and/or GHB/GBL by men who have sex with men (MSM), before or during sex. The result or aim is to have sex that can last for hours, or even days. There is also little to no need for food either. Chemsex is characterised by the easy availability of these drugs through geo-sexual networking sites.
Due to the sexually disinhibiting nature of the ‘high’ provided by the chemicals it is often associated with multiple partners and a sense of invulnerability to harm/risk. This can translate into reduced concern for safer sex practices and feelings of confidence, being sexually adventurous, heightened sense of pleasure, stamina, and endurance that may last for days without sleep. Unwanted side effects while under the influence can include aggression, paranoia, hallucinations/perceptions of persecution and overdose. This isn’t to say that everyone participating in chemsex will experience side effects, but it’s important to keep the LGBTQ+ community and their mental health in mind.
Does chemsex represent a risk of addiction?
The opportunity to get hold of the substances is a key component of addictive behavioural problems. Tolerance and withdrawal can occur with frequent and excessive use of Crystal Meth, GHB or Mephedrone, thus the user could become dependent. Due to the increased likelihood of risk-taking, participants may be exposed to HIV or Hepatitis C. Sexual health clinics are also vital to helping gay men stay safe.
While the use and easy availability of hard drugs remains at its centre, the healthcare industry needs to be watchful for potentially complex, longstanding consequences for those taking part on a social, psychological and physical level.
The treatment for all addictions has a similar process however each person has their own individual characteristics and their own social and life history circumstances, which makes each person a unique individual. These specific characteristics are considered in treating each client. Everyone has a different story, a different set of circumstances, experiences, and psychological processes. These differences are integral in knowing which interventions are best suited and personalised so the client can get the most from their time in treatment. Our Chemsex groups allow individuals to have a safe space to share about their experiences and gain identification from others by addressing behaviours and learning new coping skill. Individual weekly one to one sessions are important for more personal issues that the client does not wish to discuss in group.
The treatment for all addictions has a similar process however each person has their own individual characteristics and their own social and life history circumstances, which makes each person a unique individual. These specific characteristics are considered in treating each client. Everyone has a different story a different set of circumstance, experiences, and psychological processes. These differences are integral in knowing which interventions are best suited and personalised so the client can get the most from their time in treatment.
StreetScene have been successfully running our CHEMSEX groups/program and helping clients with their underlying issues associated with their addiction for a number of years. Each client has an individualised treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
While there are different definitions of chemsex, here we define it as the use of any combination of the use of the following psychoactive drugs; crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone, and/or gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolacton (GHB/GBL) used prior to or during sex.
Chemsex is more commonly associated with men who have sex with men.
Someone suffering from an addiction to Chemsex may find it difficult to ask for help.
Someone who regularly engages in Chemsex will often find themselves taking bigger risks and engaging in more extreme and dangerous sexual activities We treat a variety of aspects within CHEMSEX addiction, through therapy, the 12-step program and relapse prevention. We also take into account, triggers such as the use of social media applications (Grindr) which can be problematic in maintaining abstinence.
There is evidence that social media apps can be seen as an addiction itself and a gateway to substance misuse, ultimately seriously impacting psychological wellbeing. Our groups allow people the space to discuss matters in this specific area and provide opportunities to explore and recover from substance misuse within the LGBTQ+ community. We work closely with London Friend who can offer advice and support to the LGBTQ+ community https://londonfriend.org.uk/
For further information please contact the admissions team on 01202 467661 who will be able to help you with any questions you may have or click the link below.