"CHEMSEX", pleasure or risk?

The emerging phenomenon of "chemsex" (long sessions of group sex under the influence of all kinds of drugs), triggers the cases of contagion of STDs and HIV

EDITORIAL GAYLES.TV.- When we talk about the meetings "Chemsex" Can we, as the title of the article, interrogate ourselves in terms of pleasure or risk ?, but in reality it would be more appropriate to speak directly of pleasure and risk, because in reality there is no dilemma. The parties "chemsex" are very pleasant as explained by those who have participated, but they are not exempt from risk, on the contrary, the risk is high and the resurgence of cases of HIV infection related to this practice has triggered all the alarms.

But we should start by analyzing what are the "chemsex". These are long, in fact very long sessions of group sex under the effect of all types of narcotic substances. The parties can last several days and they mix alcohol with drugs of different types. The absolute loss of control that comes with taking all kinds of drugs leads to risky behaviors that, unfortunately, in many cases result in the transmission of HIV as well as other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

We do not intend to fall into the moral of saying whether the "chemsex" are right or not, everyone chooses to live their sexuality as best it fits. What we do want is to inform to try to minimize the risks associated with this type of meetings. The FELGTB, in May of last year, has already launched a campaign through a spot that gives a series of tips valid for both the chemsex and those who venture to try something different. Basically it is about having common sense, but the most important points would be:

Spacing sessions
Inform about the characteristics of the substances to be consumed
Know the possible result of the mixtures
Space doses at the party
Divide the grams
Do not share the rulo
Use new syringes for individual use
Always use condoms and lubricant

The spot ends with a phrase that in itself is a slogan: an app helps you decide with whom, but not how. And is that the "how" can assume the border that separates health from disease.

For all this BCN Checkpoint has launched a psychological care service which, although not exclusively aimed at people who practice "chemsex", yes "Most of those who have already signed up have done so because they consider that they have problems derived from this type of practice", as he explains Antoni Gata, member of BCN Checkpoint and responsible for this new service. The high degree of satisfaction obtained in sex, added to the intake of drugs, creates, in some cases, situations of dependency that are not always easy to manage.

Meanwhile Energy Control he has also launched the campaign "Chem-Safe" in collaboration with various LGTBI entities that aims to inform and advise on the combination of sex and drugs from a risk reduction perspective.

And although the "chemsex" is not an exclusive practice of homosexual men, the objective data that are known in relation to this emergent phenomenon indicates that the gay group is one of those who are in a greater risk situation.

All information related to guidance and support can be found on the websites of BCN Checkpoint and Energy Control.