what are effects, drugs, injection?

THE chemsex is a addictive practice. “Adherents consider that taking drugs enhances the sexual act. explains Yann Botrel, addict hypnotherapist in Lyon. She is very dangerous. Involved in a serious road accident on February 10, 2023 in Seine-et-Marne, the comedian Pierre Palmade tested positive for cocainea drug consumed before getting behind the wheel in a sexualized context of organized chemsex in her house from Cély-en-bière. The comedian’s name had already been cited in a chemsex case in early February, reported Le Figaro.

Definition: what is chemsex?

A contraction of the English words “chemical” and “sex”, chemsex (pronounced (kem.seks)) refers to the use of drugs during sexual intercourse. This practice, which emerged in the Anglo-Saxon gay community, aims to disinhibit practitioners and prolong carnal relations. They are taken in sexual sessions called “chems”, “slams” or “highs”. Psychoactive drugs can be snorted, injected intravenously, swallowed or administered anally. “Recourse to “sex under drugs” is the prerogative of homosexual men, although it is beginning to develop in heterosexual circles. Although this phenomenon has been known for around fifteen years, it has grown enormously recently with social networks and dating applications”, notes Yann Botrel.

What is chemsex injection?

Taking psychostimulants during chemsex can be done by intravenous injection using syringes which inject the product directly into the blood. The practice then takes the name of “slam”. “The word, which means “smack” in English, refers to the intensity and speed of the effects” specifies the Network of Health Establishments for the Prevention of Addictions. The injection potentiates the effects of the products but “if it is not carried out by following the “right” actions and respecting the asepsis measures of the equipment, there is a very high risk of transmission of HIV, and even more so of HCV (hepatitis C virus). , editor’s note), and also carries bacterial risks and damage to the venous capital..

What drugs are used in Chemsex?

Many psychoactive substances can be used in chemsex (cocaine, synthetic drugs, etc.) and are often combined. Those that are most often used are:

• cocaine
• cathinones (4-MEC, 3-MMC4P, MDPV…)
• the poppers,
• GHB/GBL,
• methamphetamine,
• ketamine

What are the effects sought in Chemsex?

Although the effects vary depending on the products consumed, overall they all have stimulating, euphoric, exhilarating and relaxing properties. These substances aim to increase self-confidence, empathy, boost attraction and sexual stamina. All of these drugs also promote partner disinhibition.

►At high doses, ketamine has hallucinatory effects.

► Cocaine is stimulating and develops sexual desire.

► Amphetamines stimulate and disinhibit.

► MDMA boosts libido colossally, which can lead subjects to feel attraction to everyone present, including partners who would not have interested them in another context. “Chemsex enthusiasts consider that taking drugs enhances the sexual act. Thanks to amphetamines, this effect can last two to three days as fatigue disappears, giving rise to prolonged sexual marathons. Furthermore, most of these products will have the effect of releasing serotonin, the mood hormone, and dopamine, the pleasure hormone, in large quantities. This creates heightened libidos and feelings of omnipotence.”specifies our interlocutor.

What are the dangers of Chemsex? Death?

Chemsex leads users to consume more and more drugs in an irresistible way (craving).

• Ketamine use is associated with mood disorders, hallucinations and panic states.
• Cocaine, methamphetamine and cathinones cause cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory risks, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
• GHB/GBL can cause loss of consciousness.

“The combination of certain drugs can cause death and users don’t even know it”

“The combination of certain drugs can cause death and users don’t even know it, deplores Yann Botrel. For example, it is particularly dangerous to mix GHB and alcohol because this combination can lead to an irreversible coma. Due to their disinhibition, chemsex enthusiasts do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves (sharing syringes, forgetting condoms). As a result, STIs and other contaminations by HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis are on the rise. Finally, chemsex is associated with an increase in sexual assault and rape since the notion of sexual consent cannot always be clearly established. “There are many more deaths than what people say but the deaths are not listed as such. We don’t talk about it much because the subject remains taboo, it’s quite unusual to admit that a member of his family died in a chemsex”, nuances the addictologist.

In addiction, whatever the product or behavior, you should never be moralistic because it doesn’t work. Several precautions can help reduce the risks associated with this practice:

• Practicing chemsex with people you know and trust
• Pay attention to the origin of substances: obtain them from people you trust.
• Use sterile, clean equipment.
• Find out beforehand about product mixtures.
• Promote regular screening for HIV, STIs and hepatitis.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A, B and C.

Where to find help when you are addicted to Chemsex?

Once addiction is proven, it is necessary to consult a trusted health professional.

• The CSAPA (Centers for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology) bring together addictologists, doctors and nurses who know the subject perfectly.
• You can also contact a general practitioner, a psychiatrist, a psychologist or someone from an association (AIDS, Drugs Info Service).
• Hypnosis also proves to be a very good support tool since it allows you to obtain modified states of consciousness similar to those obtained under the effect of drugs and to work on the emotions anesthetized by substances.. “However, hypnotherapy being an unregulated profession, it is preferable to contact a specialist with medical or paramedical background. It is interesting to favor a multidisciplinary approach”nuance the specialist.
• Some drugs require substitution treatment since they cause excessive withdrawal (opiates such as morphine), for others, sudden withdrawal is dangerous (alcohol, benzodiazepines).

Thanks to Yann Botrel, addict hypnotherapist.