The practice of chemsex, which combines drug use and sexual relations, is of concern because of the many risks to which it exposes, in particular infectious.
Chemsex Chemsex covers all the relatively new practices that have appeared among some men who have sex with men (MSM), combining sex, most often in groups, and the consumption of synthetic psychoactive products.. This word is still little known to the general public. “Chem” is the abbreviation of “chemicals”, which means chemical product or drug. So chemsex is the use of drugs during sex. More precisely, it is a consumption “strictly in the service of sexual activities, planned for a long duration (several hours or several days), involving several partners”, can we read in the APACHES study. In other words, increasing libido, no longer being inhibited, or even remaining enduring are the main sensations sought by chemsex enthusiasts. The latter are mostly men who have sex with other men (HSH Man having sex with other men. ). But a report from the Regional Health Observatory of Occitanie points out that this practice also exists among heterosexuals. Similarly, the “Chemsex” report, coordinated by Prof. Amine Benyamina, head of the psychiatry and addictology department at the Paul Brousse hospital in Villejuif, indicates that “substance use practices in a sexual context are not limited to the MSM environment, and certain practices tend to spread from MSM communities to other environments”. This report was commissioned by Olivier Veran, Minister of Solidarity and Health, worried about the health risks. “The practice of chemsex raises questions about the consequences in terms of public health both on the increase in sexually transmitted infections, in particular HIV Human immunodeficiency virus. In English: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Isolated in 1983 at the Pasteur Institute in Paris; recently discovered (2008) rewarded with the Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Luc Montagnier and Françoise Barré-Sinoussi. and HCV, than on the consumption of drugs and the addictive behaviors that result from it”is it written in the mission letter.
A growing phenomenon
For the past ten years, chemsex has tended to develop in France. “It could affect 20% of the MSM population”, can we read in the “Chemsex” report. It is favored by the development of websites and geolocated applications dedicated to meetings. In addition, the range of easily accessible psychostimulant products has expanded. This is the case, for example, of GHB and synthetic cathinones, which can be purchased very cheaply. “These two developments have contributed to the increase in the visibility of chemsex and its dissemination”explains the Respadd addiction prevention booklet. “Sharing experiences on different blogs, different forums, different interactive platforms and social networks helps attract new consumers and promotes the emergence of new modes of consumption (music parties, slam parties, sex parties, etc.)”says the “Chemsex” report.
Need to screen for sexually transmitted infections
This practice poses health risks. “Even if it does not necessarily lead to harm, chemsex is particularly alarming insofar as it exposes people to the risks associated with both the use of psychoactive substances and certain sexual practices”, warns the APACHES study. Drug use can lead to addictions, but also to infections linked to the sharing and reuse of equipment. Some take psychostimulants by injection. However, if it is not carried out while respecting aseptic measures, the injection is highly at risk of transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and even more of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus). Otherwise, “As regards sexual practices, a certain number of risky behaviors have been reported (unprotected anal penetration, sharing of sex toys) exposing people to possible infectious contamination”, reports the APACHES study. In addition, certain sexual practices can cause lesions and bleeding which also increase the risk of infection. Thus, the Respadd network recommends screening for HIV and HCV every three months among followers of chemsex. The ‘Chemsex’ report indeed concludes “that apart from the risks and damage specific to each product, whether somatic, psychological/psychiatric or addictive, particular attention must be paid to the prevention of IS Sexually transmitted infections. and HCV”.
FR-VHCV-210191-06/2022