Key points at a glance
💊 A quick high:
Slamming means injecting drugs during sex - for an intense rush.
⚠️ High risk:
There is a risk of infection, overdose and vascular damage.
⛑️Safer use matters:
Always use sterile disposable utensils and do not share anything.
👨⚕️ Get help:
Confidential counselling is available for problems or questions - you are not alone.
What does slamming mean?
Slamming, also known as ‘slamming’, involves injecting drugs directly into a vein during chemsex. Substances such as crystal meth (Tina) or other stimulant drugs are often used in this way. The effects set in particularly quickly and intensely, whilst at the same time increasing the risk of overdoses, infections and addiction. Why do some people choose to slam? What are the risks, and what does ‘safer use’ mean? Here you’ll find answers and information on advice and support.
Safe slamming: Preparation, hygiene and handling syringes
Slamming is never risk-free, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and others.
| Phase | Safer use recommendations |
|---|---|
| Before the slam |
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| During the slamming |
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| After the slamming |
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Slamming in the context of chemsex
Slamming is closely linked to chemsex, which is the deliberate use of drugs before or during sex. Whilst drugs are consumed in various ways during chemsex, ‘slamming’ refers to the direct injection of substances into a vein. This results in the effects setting in particularly quickly and intensely.
Some people slam to enhance sexual pleasure, overcome inhibitions or experience closeness and intimacy more intensely. Longer sex sessions with different partners can also play a part in this. The reasons vary from person to person, and not everyone who engages in chemsex also slams.
Risks involved in slamming
Slamming can involve several risks that can be really dangerous. Sharing needles or unprotected sex opens the door to infections such as HIV, hepatitis and other STIs. If the syringe is not clean or the injection site has not been disinfected, abscesses and vascular injuries are not uncommon. Particularly treacherous: the effect is immediate and intense, which massively increases the risk of overdose.
Those who mix different substances expose themselves to even greater risks - the body can quickly become overwhelmed. And the mind is not spared either: crashes, paranoia or loss of control are not uncommon after a long session. Slamming is therefore anything but harmless and should never be taken lightly.
What are Slam Packs and where can you get them?
Slam packs are special safer-use kits for people who inject drugs whilst engaging in chemsex. Depending on the pack, they contain sterile syringes, needles, filters, alcohol swabs and other drug-use accessories. The aim is to reduce the risk of HIV, hepatitis and other infections when slamming.
You can obtain Slam-Packs or similar sterile syringe kits from some AIDS support organisations, drug advice centres and safer-use projects. Depending on the organisation, these items are available free of charge or for a small fee. Syringe vending machines also offer sterile equipment in many places.
Important: Only use your own sterile equipment and do not share single-use items with others.
Emergency slamming - what to do?
If something suddenly goes wrong whilst slamming, every minute counts. If you experience severe symptoms, you should: End session immediately, do not leave alone, get help.
⚠️ Important warning signs
- Shortness of breath or very shallow, slow breathing
- Unconsciousness or barely responsive
- Severe chest, head or abdominal pain
- Severe swelling (e.g. at puncture sites) or redness
- High fever, chills, confusion, seizures
If any of these signs occur, it is a medical emergency.
🚑 Immediate measures in an emergency
- Cancel session immediately. Turn down the music, switch on the lights, do not give any more doses or substances.
- Do not leave the affected person alone. Someone always stays with her.
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Call 112 - better one too many than too few.
Say briefly:- Where you are
- What was taken (if known)
- What symptoms are present (e.g. „unconscious“, „having difficulty breathing“)
- If HIV risk is suspected (e.g. blood contact, shared syringes, unprotected sex): as soon as possible, find a place for HIV PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) (clinic, emergency room, HIV speciality practice).
⛑️ First aid: What you can actually do
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Check consciousness & breathing:
Gently speak to them and shake them gently. Is the person breathing normally? If you’re unsure, say so when you call 112. -
Unconscious but breathing:
Place the person in the recovery position, tilt their head back slightly, and keep their airways clear. -
No recognisable breathing:
The 112 emergency call centre can guide you step by step through the resuscitation procedure. Follow the instructions carefully. -
Loosen tight clothing:
Open trousers, shirt, belt slightly so that the person can breathe better. - Do not give anything to eat or drink and do not add any more drugs or medication.
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Have information ready:
Which substances, how much, how were they taken (swallowed, snorted, ingested) and since when? If possible, have the packaging to hand.
🧭 After the emergency
- Medical check-up if recommended in the hospital or practice.
- Plan HIV & STI tests, if there has been unprotected sex, the sharing of needles or contact with blood.
- Use counselling: Chemsex, drug or AIDS support counselling centres can help you come to terms with the situation – anonymously and without judgement.
- Think about safer alternatives: Adjusting the dose, reducing the amount of substances taken, or choosing different methods of consumption can reduce the risk next time.
Slamming and HIV: How high is the risk of infection?
With slamming, there is an increased risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C if syringes, needles or other drug-taking equipment are shared. Even the tiniest traces of blood can be enough to transmit viruses.
You should therefore always use your own sterile injection equipment when slamming, and never share needles, filters or other drug-use paraphernalia.
If you may have shared used injection equipment, you should seek medical advice straight away. HIV PEP can prevent infection if started in good time, at the latest within 72 hours.
Slamming and addiction: When does use become a problem?
Slamming can lead to psychological dependence and problematic patterns of use. In particular, the rapid and intense effects of the drugs can cause the craving for the next high to become increasingly strong.
Warning signs include slamming more often than you intended, losing control over your use, or finding it almost impossible to enjoy sex without drugs. Sleep problems, psychological distress and neglecting your daily routine, work or social life can also indicate that your use is becoming problematic.
If you want to cut down on your drug use or stop ‘slamming’, AIDS support organisations, chemsex advice centres and addiction support services can help you in complete confidence and without judgement.
Frequently asked questions about slamming, slamming and chemsex
What does ‘slamming’ mean, and what are the risks of slamming during chemsex? Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about drug use during sex, HIV transmission, safer use, addiction and ways to get support.
What does ‘slamming’ mean in the context of sex?
Slamming, also known as ‘slamming’, refers to injecting drugs directly into a vein whilst having sex. This method of use is particularly common in connection with chemsex. Stimulants such as crystal meth are frequently used. The effects set in quickly and intensely; at the same time, the health risks – such as overdoses, infections and addiction – are particularly high.
What is the difference between slamming and chemsex?
Chemsex refers to the deliberate use of certain drugs in a sexual context. Substances may, for example, be swallowed, snorted or injected. Slamming is a particularly risky form of drug use in chemsex, as the substance enters the bloodstream directly. Not all chemsex therefore involves slamming.
What are the risks associated with slamming?
Slamming can lead to serious health problems. These include overdoses, injuries and infections at the injection sites, damage to blood vessels, as well as psychological distress and addiction. If syringes, needles or other equipment are shared, HIV and hepatitis B or C can also be transmitted. Combining different substances is particularly risky.
How can you minimise the health risks associated with slamming?
There is no such thing as risk-free slamming. However, safer use can reduce certain risks. This includes, in particular, using only sterile, unused equipment and not sharing syringes, needles, filters, water or any other materials. It is also important to be informed about the risks associated with the substances being used, to have regular health checks, and to be in an environment where help can be obtained quickly in an emergency.
Where can I get help if I want to stop slamming?
If you want to cut down on your drug use or stop slamming, you can contact an AIDS charity, a chemsex support service or a specialist drug advice centre. There, you can talk in confidence about your drug use, any potential addictions and changes you’d like to make. Even if you’re not yet sure whether you want to stop, you can still get support. It’s about finding a way forward together that suits you.
