Why Chemsex Addiction Requires a Unique Approach to Recovery

Chemsex – the use of drugs like GHB/GBL, crystal meth, and ketamine to enhance sexual experiences – has become a hidden crisis in the UK, with addiction specialists at Rehabs UK warning of a dangerous gap in support for those struggling with its dual-layered addiction.

• Recent analysis of ONS figures by Gay Times suggests up to 1,000 people have died of possible chemsex-related harms in the past decade.

• In London alone, the Metropolitan Police reported 3 chemsex-linked deaths per month in 2023, with fears that 2024 figures could be the "highest on record," a recent investigation by ITV News found.

• The investigation also found that the London Ambulance Service suspects "at least" one call out every day is related to chemsex drugs. Related criminal offences have also risen from just 19 in 2018 to 263 in 2023 according to the Metropolitan Police Service.

Unlike traditional substance dependency, chemsex addiction intertwines drug use with compulsive sexual behaviour, making recovery uniquely complex.

Jakana Rita, BACP Therapist for Rehabs UK, explains: "The difficulty is that drug use and sexual behaviour are so entwined in chemsex that it becomes its own standalone addiction. Yet, many fall through the gaps because support services still treat them as separate issues. We need to recognise chemsex as its own cultural phenomenon within addiction."

While traditional addiction services exist for drugs or sex separately, few address the combined nature of chemsex addiction. Experts stress the need for integrated treatment that tackles both aspects simultaneously.

The role of shame and stigma

Queer collective Duckie recently produced a collaborative event series titled “Rat Park”, which aimed to raise awareness of and discuss the topic of chemsex in the queer community. Prevalence of chemsex use ranges between 3–29% of men who have sex with men.

Rat Park Host Scottee discusses the reasons behind the event series in a recent interview: “There is a major issue with chemsex in the queer community, where people gather and use drugs, and associate that with sex. It’s become a bit of a problem for people where addiction has become very loud.”

Scottee highlights that the connection between chemsex and the queer community is a result of being disenfranchised, with queer sex specifically a taboo: "For all of the conversations that we could talk about chemsex and addiction there seems to be two big narratives that are coming up, which are ageing and shame. Shame seems to be ever present.”

Rita adds that participation in chemsex can increase these feelings of shame: "Chemsex can deeply damage self-worth while creating dangerous physical risks. Many who engage in it struggle with low self-esteem or past trauma, using it as an escape. Recovery starts with recognising these patterns and rebuilding intimacy in healthier ways."

The progression from occasional chemsex participation to addiction is closely linked to the drugs' ability to enhance sexual experiences. This enhancement creates a strong association between drug use and sexual pleasure, making it challenging to separate the two activities. The anticipation of the combined experience can itself become addictive, further entrenching the behaviour.

Strategies for recovery and support

• Therapeutic Interventions: Engaging in therapy to address self-worth and underlying emotional issues is crucial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other counselling approaches can help individuals understand and modify the behaviours contributing to chemsex addiction.

• Support Groups: Participating in support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which offer LGBT-specific meetings, can provide a sense of community and shared experience, aiding in the recovery process. For additional free support there are places to go such as Controlling Chemsex and You are Loved.

• Healthy Alternatives: Developing coping mechanisms to manage stress and social situations without resorting to chemsex is vital. This includes finding fulfilling activities and forming connections outside of chemsex-engaged peers.

  
  

Chemsex addiction can strain personal relationships. Rebuilding these bonds requires open communication, honesty, and demonstrating a commitment to change. Re-establishing intimacy involves developing emotional connections and practicing patience as trust is rebuilt over time.

With chemsex-related harms rising, Rehabs UK urges policymakers and healthcare providers to expand specialised support. If you or someone you know is struggling with chemsex addiction, contact your GP or speak to Rehabs UK treatment advisors today.