ssh-chemsex-study-final-main-report

4.7 SUMMARY
• Mephedrone, GHB/GBL and crystal meth (in that order) were the most popular chemsex drugs,
although cocaine and ketamine were also commonly used.
• The rise in use of mephedrone and GHB/GBL seems, at least in part, to be a result of the rising
cost, poorer quality and reduced availability of ecstasy and cocaine.
• Most men were experienced drug users (particularly on the clubbing or dance scene) and had
progressed to taking the key chemsex drugs over time. A few had been newly introduced to illicit
drugs, usually by sexual partners.
• A third had recently injected crystal meth or mephedrone, feeling that it gave them a more intense
and immediate high. In nearly all instances injecting was done with care and there was no evidence
of needle-sharing.
• The majority of men were uncomfortable with the idea of injecting drugs, feeling that it suggested
addiction or was a sign of chaotic lifestyle.
• Social and sexual networking apps, saunas and clubs were the main avenues for drug acquisition.
There was some evidence of transactional sex for drugs.
• Chemsex occurs in a range of settings, but most commonly in private homes, in saunas or other
sex-on-premises venues.
• South London was widely perceived as an area of particularly high prevalence of chemsex,
facilitated by the presence of a large gay population and a large commercial gay scene.
• Social and sexual networking apps may have increased the visibility of drug use and chemsex, with
concern raised that this might influence the broader acceptability of these behaviours.
The Chemsex Study | 4. THE CONTEXT OF CHEMSEX 40