It is known that people also engage in chemsex to cope with long-standing issues such as stigma, homophobia and past trauma such as sexual abuse. Some men report enjoying chemsex as part of their lifestyle and that it does not have a negative impact on their relationships. It can be experienced as a positive aspect of gay identity.

However, engaging in chemsex is risky and, for many men, it can become problematic. With lower inhibitions there can be concerns around consent, STI’s including HIV and HepC, and problematic drug use.

Body Positive does not condone or condemn the use of illicit drugs. These resources are provided for people to make informed decisions about their use and to minimise any potential harms. We have collated some of the better resources from around the world that you may find helpful.

The AIDS Committee of Toronto has developed a number of online wellness resource written for and by gay, bi, queer men. These include practical tips from Gay and Bisexual Men for staying off Crystal for a day or longer… Staying-off-crystal.pdf

This online guide from 56 Dean St in London is a chemsex care plan that you can work through with your healthcare provider, or on your own. It'll help you to identify a goal, and work toward it.

Crystal Meth can affect your use of condoms and PrEP may be an appropriate choice to prevent getting HIV and it is fully funded in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s Needle Exchange programme provides sterile injecting equipment along with advice, education and information about safer injecting and reducing drug use. You can swap your used equipment for new, or purchase new equipment cheaply. The Needle Exchange website has a list of exchange locations.

Drug checking: KnowYourStuffNZ is a community organisation of volunteers. They provide drug related harm reduction services at events around New Zealand, including drug checking. The service is free of charge to clients and is the best way to be sure of what you are taking.

The NZ Drug Foundation has resources on being safer when using alcohol or drugs. They have also released The Level as a straight up guide for people who use drugs.

The US National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) has created a booklet providing accurate and unbiased information that includes a compilation of medical facts, injection techniques, wisdom from people with lived experience, and common sense.

When things go wrong in chemsex environments, or while we are under the influence of chems, it can be frightening or disconcerting.

Try to remain calm, remain kind, and amongst all the concerns, prioritise the opportunity you have to save a person’s life by acting quickly and responsibly. If in any doubt, call emergency services who will be glad to talk you through the situation. This chemsex first aid action sheet covers some general First Aid practices to prepare you for some specific chemsex-related emergencies.