💊 Dose lower: It is better to take less than too much.
💬 Consent before the kick: Discuss boundaries and safe words in advance.
🧤 Focus on safer sex: Condoms, lubricant, gloves - protection comes first.
🚨 SOS in an emergency: If unconscious, call 112, place in recovery position, call for help.
What is chemsex?
Chemsex means sex under drugs. This refers to substances such as GHB/GBL, crystal meth, cocaine, ketamine or poppers, often in connection with long sessions, several partners and high intensity.
For many, it's about pleasure, closeness or self-confidence - for others it's an escape from stress or loneliness. Chemsex can connect, but it can also blur boundaries and increase risks. The important thing is Chemsex is not „wrong“, but it is risky - Anyone who does it should know how it works and how to protect themselves.
Risks & health
Chemsex can get off to a good start - and still tip over.
- Physically: Stimulants such as crystal meth or cocaine put a strain on the heart and circulation, promote dehydration, lack of sleep and injuries (e.g. tears → STI risk).
- Psychological: After the high, there is a risk of anxiety, paranoia, depression or a severe „crash“.
- Consent: It's harder to recognise boundaries when you're on drugs - a no always applies, even if someone is „on it“.
Pay attention if sex without drugs hardly works anymore or if you regularly forget boundaries, food, sleep or protection. These are warning signs - help is available and confidential.
Typical chemsex substances
| Substance | Effect | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| GHB/GBL | Relaxes, makes you cosy | Dose quickly too high → fainting; never mix with alcohol |
| Crystal meth | Awake, horny, persistent | Cardiac stress, overheating, hard crash |
| Cocaine | Self-confident, short-term kick | Replenishment, cardiovascular stress |
| Ketamine | Low pain, distancing | Loss of control, risk of injury |
| Poppers | Relaxed, facilitates anal intercourse | Never mix with Viagra - life-threatening |
| Viagra/PDE-5 | Supports erection | Only with caution, no mixing with poppers |
| Alcohol | Disinhibited | Poorer control, risky combos |
Safer Sex & Safer Use
Sex under drugs requires clear agreements and good preparation:
- Boundaries & Safe-Word beforehand („red = stop“).
- Condoms, lubricant, gloves and keep your own equipment.
- Deliberately keep the dose low, use dosing aid & timer.
- Set & Setting: Familiar people, clean location, plan for emergencies.
- Emergency: If someone falls unconscious - Stop sex immediately, stable lateral position, Call 112.
Therapy & Help
If chemsex brings stress instead of fun, there is confidential help:
- Advice & check-ins: anonymous, queer-sensitive, also online.
- Chemsex consultation hours: specialised medical and psychological support.
- Groups & peer support: Exchange with other affected persons.
- Medical accompaniment: STI tests, PrEP/PEP counselling, cardiovascular check.
In an emergency: Call 112 - Better too early than too late.
What to do with ...
... an emergency?
Lay in recovery position, call 112, stay with the victim, name substances, remain calm.
... Loss of control or fear after a session?
Quiet surroundings, drinking, eating, sleeping, talking about experiences, seeking anonymous counselling.
... repeated chemsex urges?
Counselling or therapy - queer-friendly specialist centres provide support without judgement.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about chemsex
Chemsex raises many questions - about substances, risks and safe use. Here you will find answers to the most important points, explained briefly and clearly.
Sex drugs are substances that increase pleasure, relaxation or stamina during sex - such as GHB/GBL, crystal meth, cocaine, ketamine, poppers or Viagra.
Many of these substances are banned (e.g. crystal, cocaine, GHB/GBL). Others require a prescription (e.g. Viagra), poppers are usually legal. Check local laws.
Risks include overdose, cardiovascular stress, dehydration, injuries, STIs, consent violations and psychological lows after use.
If sex only works „on“, you neglect protection or boundaries or feel bad after sessions - these are warning signs. Help is available and confidential.
At counselling centres, chemsex consultations and self-help groups - anonymously, queer-sensitively and without judgement.
