What is ghb and gay sex
Chemsex – the Drugs and Sex Subculture in the Gay Community
Brian Paddick, the former deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, have spoken out movingly about the dangers of the chemsex drug, GHB. Paddick’s ex-boyfriend, Michael, died of a GHB overdose at a chemsex party in 2013. Speaking out publicly for the first time about Michael’s tragic death, Paddick is calling for a government-funded publicity programme to raise education about chemsex drugs. But what help is there to stop for people who get addicted to chemsex?
What Is Chemsex?
Chemsex is the practice of taking drugs, often GHB, mephedrone and/or methamphetamine, for the specific purpose of facilitating sexual activity between gay men. The legal title chemsex also refers to the parties, often hosted by dealers of chemsex drugs, where men join up to take drugs and have sex.
Chemsex is distinct to sex that takes place after same-sex attracted men have used recreational drugs coincidentally. Instead, chemsex is the intentional exploit of drugs to fuel, enhance or prolong sexual activity.
The drugs that are typically used for chemsex have a range of mood-altering effects, as successfully as significant risks to the user. They inclu
Why do gay men carry out chemsex?
Stéphane, a volunteer with the French society organisation AIDES, set the tone for the recent 3rd European ChemSex Forum in Paris when he explained why he continues to use drugs in sexual situations. There are multiple reasons, many of them shared by other people, he said.
“Firstly, the idea of pleasure is essential,” he said.
“There is also the fear of not being able to do without, as successfully as the fear of not being up to the mark.
Glossary
chemsex
The use of recreational drugs such as mephedrone, GHB/GBL and crystal meth before or during sex.
anxiety
A feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, which can be mild or severe. Anxiety disorders are conditions in which anxiety dominates a person’s life or is experienced in particular situations.
psychiatry
A branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are doctors who trained in general medicine before specialising in mental health. They can prescribe medication.
depression
A mental health problem causing long-lasting short mood that interferes with everyday life.
libido
Another word for
Chem sex- A thick look into GHB
Last Updated:
February 25th, 2025
Chemsex (also known as party and perform or wired play) refers to the use of drugs during sex. This type of sex typically relies on the arousal-increasing properties of specific stimulants and is most commonly used among men who possess sex with men. This makes chemsex more prevalent in communities of queer and bisexual men. The specific drugs involved make this type of sexual activity particularly risky. The three drugs involved in chemsex can cause physical and psychological damage. Alongside the addiction potential (in terms of substances and specific behaviours), engaging in chemsex can come with a range of other risks. Being attentive of these risks is one of the key ways to stay as safe as feasible if engaging with chemsex in any way.
What is Chemsex?
Chemsex is defined as ‘intention sex under the influence of psychoactive drugs, mostly among men who have sex with men.’ It involves the use of specific substances in order to construct sexual experiences more intense and pleasurable.
What drugs are used for Chemsex?
Many unlike drugs can be used to facilitate sexual sessions. However, chemsex usually refers to the
GHB
What's the Score?
GHB and GBL are also established as: GBH, Grievous bodily harm, Gina, G or liquid ecstasy.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate) and GBL (Gamma Butyrolactone) are chems used in dance clubs or during sex. They're depressant drugs ('downers'), which means they slow your body and its functions down.
Both types of G have industrial solvent and paint stripper-type chemicals in them.
Because GBL turns into GHB inside the body, the effects of GBL can be stronger or more erratic than when taking GHB.
As the law on GHB has tightened, GBL has largely taken over from it on the scene.
Sex on G
The drug has a reputation for making people horny. Its relaxing outcome can be used to help grab things up the arse.
Less welcome is how it can make it harder to reach or how it can lower your inhibitions, making unsafe sex more likely - and with it, passing on HIV, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhoea, etc.
But if you're a bit out of it - or totally dead to the world - it'll be tough to control what's happening or even remember it when (or if) you come round.
Taking G
GHB and GBL come as a clear, salty liquid with no smell that's m
Injecting drugs
Sometimes people inject crystal meth and mephedrone. With this there is an increased risk of infections and viruses like HIV and HEP A&B. To minimise your risk never share needles.
Set Group Rules
Agree in advance, and while sober, what sex you want to have – and don’t want to have. Make sure everyone is in agreement about what is going to happen and respect others boundaries.
Safer Sex?
Be upfront about the type of sex you want to contain – including if you want to use condoms. – and bring safer sex materials with you. Not using condoms can put you at exposure of STIs, and people on certain drugs may have rougher sex increasing the risk of bleeding and infection.
PrEP
PrEP is a drug which, when taken correctly, prevents you from contracting HIV. If you are going to contain unproteced sex with muliple partners and under the influence of drugs – PrEP could be beneficial in limiting your peril of HIV infection.
Other substances?
You should avoid mixing drugs, with alcohol and any other drugs and never mix poppers with erectile drugs like Viagra – please check out our information on dosing for more advice o