SEX & METH
Meth stimulates sexual activity. It is known to lower inhibitions, boost sexual confidence, heighten the sense of pleasure, and increase sexual stamina. When we’re high on side it’s easy to make risky sexual choices we might not make while sober, like having unprotected sex, or choosing partners we normally wouldn’t. This makes people who mix sex and meth vulnerable to contracting or transmitting HIV, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis and gonorrhea, and unwanted pregnancy.
Meth stimulates sexual activity. It is known to lower inhibitions, boost sexual confidence, heighten the sense of pleasure, and increase sexual stamina. When we’re high on side it’s easy to make risky sexual choices we might not make while sober, like having unprotected sex, or choosing partners we normally wouldn’t. This makes people who mix sex and meth vulnerable to contracting or transmitting HIV, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis and gonorrhea, and unwanted pregnancy.
- If you plan on getting laid while high on Tina, do it safely!
- Use condoms and lube and plenty of lube!
CHEMSEX
Chemsex is a gay, bi-sexual, and men who have sex with other men (gbMSM) sub-culture. It uses drugs to enhance and sustain sexual encounters. The scene began in England but is now on both sides of the Atlantic.
In North America, Chemsex is sometimes called Party and Play (PnP). Hook-ups between two people, or entire groups, are often arranged through online dating apps like Grindr. Willing participants are directed to a private house, apartment, or other discrete location where they use drugs and have sex, sometimes non-stop, for days.
Some of the key words used in online profiles for Chemsex hook ups include:
Chems
Chemsex is a gay, bi-sexual, and men who have sex with other men (gbMSM) sub-culture. It uses drugs to enhance and sustain sexual encounters. The scene began in England but is now on both sides of the Atlantic.
In North America, Chemsex is sometimes called Party and Play (PnP). Hook-ups between two people, or entire groups, are often arranged through online dating apps like Grindr. Willing participants are directed to a private house, apartment, or other discrete location where they use drugs and have sex, sometimes non-stop, for days.
Some of the key words used in online profiles for Chemsex hook ups include:
Chems
- HnH (High and Horny)
- PnP (Party & Play)
- Favs
RISKS
*Research shows gbMSM who PnP are more likely to have condomless anal sex with multiple partners (even if they are HIV positive).
*The chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia are higher for men who engage in Chemsex than for those who don’t.
Interactions between different drugs used in Chemsex can also be problematic. For example, mixing GHB and alcohol is a dangerous combination that can be fatal.
Sharing injection, smoking, snorting, booty bumping, or hot railing gear increases the risk of spreading or contracting:
*HIV
*Hepatitis B, C
*Blood borne infections
*Used syringes left laying around can cause needlestick injuries and spread disease.
Slamming also increases chances of vein damage, blood born infections and addiction (see WAYS PEOPLE USE - INJECTION/SLAMMING section pg. 7).
Repeated crystal meth use in Chemsex can lead to:
*Impotency for some men (crystal dick)
*Loss of interest in sober sex
*Dependency
There is also the issue of consent. With so many drugs and sleep deprivation influencing a person’s behavior, the lines of consent can get blurry. At certain PnP gatherings, just being there can imply consent. *Get clear on the rules of the party before you play.
*Reports of rape and robbery have occurred within certain PnP circles.
*Research shows gbMSM who PnP are more likely to have condomless anal sex with multiple partners (even if they are HIV positive).
*The chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia are higher for men who engage in Chemsex than for those who don’t.
Interactions between different drugs used in Chemsex can also be problematic. For example, mixing GHB and alcohol is a dangerous combination that can be fatal.
Sharing injection, smoking, snorting, booty bumping, or hot railing gear increases the risk of spreading or contracting:
*HIV
*Hepatitis B, C
*Blood borne infections
*Used syringes left laying around can cause needlestick injuries and spread disease.
Slamming also increases chances of vein damage, blood born infections and addiction (see WAYS PEOPLE USE - INJECTION/SLAMMING section pg. 7).
Repeated crystal meth use in Chemsex can lead to:
*Impotency for some men (crystal dick)
*Loss of interest in sober sex
*Dependency
There is also the issue of consent. With so many drugs and sleep deprivation influencing a person’s behavior, the lines of consent can get blurry. At certain PnP gatherings, just being there can imply consent. *Get clear on the rules of the party before you play.
*Reports of rape and robbery have occurred within certain PnP circles.
HARM REDUCTION for CHEMSEX
For harm reduction tips on safer injection, smoking, snorting, hot railing, swallowing, and booty bumping see Ways People Use section of this guide (pgs.4-8).
* One of the best resources we have to keep one’s self and others safe in a Chemsex environment is EACH OTHER. Knowing the signs and symptoms of overdose is critical (See overdose section pg. 21). In case of opioid overdose, know the signs, have Naloxone on hand, and know how to use it.
* Use of traditional condoms or initial condoms with personal lubricant and/or PrEP are still some of the most effective barrier methods to prevent the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis and other STI’s such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
* Although it may seem basic, remaining hydrated is critical. Rule of thumb should be to have a glass of water or sports drink every hour.
* If you have a Prince Albert piercing, consider removing it while having Chemsex as to avoid injury and hence bleeding. The same thing goes for rings, bracelets and long fingernails.
* If possible, use your own rectal douche. Otherwise, wipe any that you use clean of oil or grease and disinfect it in a bleach solution before use.
* Take breaks often and especially between partners if in group situations. Have a chat or take a nap. Start a conversation about your HIV status and viral load.
* Keep used and unused sex toys separated. It’s advisable for everyone to bring their own sex toys. Otherwise, make sure all toys are properly disinfected in bleach and water for at least 5 minutes.
* Do not share syringes, needles or snorting equipment. Invisible particles of blood can transmit Hepatitis C which can survive for up to six weeks outside the body on materials such as plastic, rubber, steel, etc.
* Wash your cock, balls, ass and groin with a mild soap and rinse with lots of water. Wash your pubic hair too; lubricant residue containing blood particles can stick to your pubic hair quite easily.
* Party and Play form. Keep a record of what you are taking, when and how much. This is handy for knowing when it’s okay to take more, but it’s also useful to know what you’ve taken in case something goes wrong.
For harm reduction tips on safer injection, smoking, snorting, hot railing, swallowing, and booty bumping see Ways People Use section of this guide (pgs.4-8).
* One of the best resources we have to keep one’s self and others safe in a Chemsex environment is EACH OTHER. Knowing the signs and symptoms of overdose is critical (See overdose section pg. 21). In case of opioid overdose, know the signs, have Naloxone on hand, and know how to use it.
* Use of traditional condoms or initial condoms with personal lubricant and/or PrEP are still some of the most effective barrier methods to prevent the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis and other STI’s such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
* Although it may seem basic, remaining hydrated is critical. Rule of thumb should be to have a glass of water or sports drink every hour.
* If you have a Prince Albert piercing, consider removing it while having Chemsex as to avoid injury and hence bleeding. The same thing goes for rings, bracelets and long fingernails.
* If possible, use your own rectal douche. Otherwise, wipe any that you use clean of oil or grease and disinfect it in a bleach solution before use.
* Take breaks often and especially between partners if in group situations. Have a chat or take a nap. Start a conversation about your HIV status and viral load.
* Keep used and unused sex toys separated. It’s advisable for everyone to bring their own sex toys. Otherwise, make sure all toys are properly disinfected in bleach and water for at least 5 minutes.
* Do not share syringes, needles or snorting equipment. Invisible particles of blood can transmit Hepatitis C which can survive for up to six weeks outside the body on materials such as plastic, rubber, steel, etc.
* Wash your cock, balls, ass and groin with a mild soap and rinse with lots of water. Wash your pubic hair too; lubricant residue containing blood particles can stick to your pubic hair quite easily.
* Party and Play form. Keep a record of what you are taking, when and how much. This is handy for knowing when it’s okay to take more, but it’s also useful to know what you’ve taken in case something goes wrong.
A Word about PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis)
For men who have sex with other men, PrEP can help prevent the transmission of HIV. PrEP is used by people who are HIV negative to help prevent acquiring HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis; and is a once daily oral pill (or taken as prescribed by your doctor) that enhances the immune system to inhibit the virus from replicating or establishing a permanent infection within the bloodstream.
Taking PrEP involves seeing a doctor or nurse practitioner every three months for HIV testing and screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), monitoring for possible side effects, and on-going support to remain well informed around ones sexual health.
PrEP only helps to prevent HIV - it does not protect against other STI’s (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) or other infections such as hepatitis A, B and C. Nor does PrEP protect against pregnancy. PrEP is now publicly funded for individuals identified at high risk of contracting HIV. If you feel that getting on PrEP might be a good option in protecting your health, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner. More information on PrEP can be found at: www.catie.ca/en/prep
For men who have sex with other men, PrEP can help prevent the transmission of HIV. PrEP is used by people who are HIV negative to help prevent acquiring HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis; and is a once daily oral pill (or taken as prescribed by your doctor) that enhances the immune system to inhibit the virus from replicating or establishing a permanent infection within the bloodstream.
Taking PrEP involves seeing a doctor or nurse practitioner every three months for HIV testing and screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), monitoring for possible side effects, and on-going support to remain well informed around ones sexual health.
PrEP only helps to prevent HIV - it does not protect against other STI’s (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) or other infections such as hepatitis A, B and C. Nor does PrEP protect against pregnancy. PrEP is now publicly funded for individuals identified at high risk of contracting HIV. If you feel that getting on PrEP might be a good option in protecting your health, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner. More information on PrEP can be found at: www.catie.ca/en/prep