Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Help, support, treatment | Chemsex Dealing with chemsex addiction and recovery Addiction is when you struggle to control using something, like drugs, alcohol, or sex, and you keep using it even when it puts you at risk or harms your wellbeing, relationships, or daily life. Often, you don’t realise you’re caught in that pattern. Addiction can show up in different ways, like finding it difficult to stop or cut down using chemsex dugs, having longer sessions than you planned, mood changes and even impacting things like finances, jobs and relationships. For some people, addiction is linked to things like stigma, discrimination, loneliness, or pressure in social or sexual spaces. In chemsex, drug use and sex can be come closely connected, which can make habits harder to change. Addiction isn’t a fixed label or a personal failure, it’s something that can shift over time, and people experience it in different ways. What is an addiction cycle? Many people notice that their chemsex follows a pattern or cycle. The addiction cycle can keep going over time, but it’s possible to break it with awareness, support, and treatment if you need it. For example, a pattern might look like: Something triggers you (like stress, loneliness, shame, or certain apps or places) You feel a strong urge to use drugs or have sex to cope or escape You get short-term relief Afterwards, you feel worse (anxious, low, guilty, or ashamed) Then another trigger happens, and the cycle repeats Not everyone goes through this in the same way. But noticing your own pattern is an important first step to gaining control. Getting support and learning healthier ways to cope can help reduce risks. How can I deal with addiction while I wait for support? Even by reading this factsheet you have already started. There isn’t one right way to deal with addiction. What works will depend on your situation, your goals, and what feels realistic for you. Some people might want to stop chemsex completely. Others may want to reduce, take breaks, or feel more in control. All of these are valid starting points. Things that can help include: Talking about it. Opening to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, partner, or professional, can make things feel more manageable. Understanding your patterns and what your triggers are. Noticing when, where, and why you engage in chemsex (for example: certain apps, places, or how you might be feeling) can help you make informed choices that may serve you better. Setting boundaries so you feel more in control and go into chemsex situations with clear limits. You can find out more about waiting for support here [LINK] How can I find help? There are a range of services that support LGBTQ+ people around addiction, including those that understand chemsex and sexual health. You can choose what feels most comfortable and easiest for you. You can find out more about the different types of treatment available and what to expect here [LINK] Services available include: One-to-one support Support groups LGBTQ+ specialist services Rehab and detox services Organisations offering specialist chemsex support Drug and alcohol services Sexual health clinics (they can also link you to other specialist services for sexual assault and suicide prevention) Your GP can be a helpful first step if you’re looking for support with your mental health, drug use, or addiction. They can offer advice, provide treatment, and refer you to specialist services if you need them. In many areas, you can also self-refer directly to specialist chemsex or drug and alcohol services without going through a GP. Support is confidential and non-judgemental, and you can choose the option that feels most comfortable for you. If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to stay safe, seeking urgent or emergency help may be the right first step. How can the Chemsex Support Hub help? The Chemsex Support Hub provides information and support for LGBTQ+ people navigating life after chemsex. Whether you are: Thinking about stopping or reducing chemsex Already in recovery or transition Experiencing changes in sex, relationships or wellbeing Supporting someone else The Chemsex Support Hub is here to support you in rebuilding your wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self beyond chemsex. The hub offers non-judgemental help, information and advice to help you move forward at your own pace. [LINK] Manage Cookie Preferences