Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns What you need to know | Chemsex A–Z of Chems | What you need to know about how drugs work When people talk about chemsex, they may use different names, slang terms, or abbreviations for the drugs. Some of these drugs are used more often in chemsex than others. This glossary explains some of the more common drugs that may be used chemsex, how they are usually taken, and some of the risks and interactions to be aware of. People can have different experiences and not everyone uses the same drugs, and people may use them in different ways. Crystal meth (Crystal methamphetamine, crystal, Tina, T) Crystal meth is a powerful and highly addictive drug. It can increase energy, confidence, horniness, impulsiveness, lowers inhibitions and can make you less likely to feel pain. It can also supress your appetite, make you more alert, focused, or horny. It comes in a white powder or crystal form and is usually snorted, smoked, mixed with water and injected (called ‘slamming’), or injected inside the ass (called ‘booty bumping’). The effects can last for many hours, which is one reason chemsex sessions using crystal meth can go on for long periods of time. Possible risks include dehydration, sleep deprivation, anxiety, paranoia, and dependency. Injecting crystal meth can also increase the risk of HIV or hepatitis if equipment is shared. Crystal meth is sometimes used alongside other chemsex drugs like GHB/GBL or mephedrone, which can increase strain on the body. Read our full guide on how to more safely use crystal meth [LINK]. GHB / GBL (G, Gina, Liquid G) GHB and GBL are drugs that can produce feelings of relaxation, happiness, and increased horniness. They’re usually taken as a liquid that is swallowed in small doses. The difference between a pleasurable dose and a dangerous dose can be very small. Taking too much can lead to unconsciousness, breathing problems, or overdose. GHB/GBL should never be mixed with alcohol or other depressant drugs, as this increases the risk of overdose. Because the effects wear off relatively quickly, people may redose during chemsex sessions. This can increase the risk of accidental overdose if doses are not spaced carefully. Read our full guide on how to more safely use G [LINK]. Mephedrone (Meph, Meow Meow, Drone) Mephedrone is a drug that can increase feelings of energy, horniness, confidence and being sociable. It’s usually snorted, swallowed in capsules (“bombing”), or injected. Many people get more horny, have increased sensation and emotional closeness when using mephedrone, which is one reason it is used in chemsex. Possible risks include increased heart rate, anxiety, overheating, dehydration, and compulsive redosing. Injecting mephedrone can increase the risk of infection if injecting equipment is shared. Read our full guide on how to more safely use mephedrone [LINK]. Ketamine (K, ket) Ketamine is a drug that can make people feel detached from their body or surroundings. It’s usually snorted as a powder. In smaller doses, ketamine can make you feel relaxed or see things differently. In larger doses it can cause strong dissociation, sometimes called entering a “K-hole”. Ketamine can affect coordination and awareness, which may make it harder to communicate clearly or maintain consent and boundaries. Frequent use can also affect the bladder. Cocaine (Coke, Charlie) Cocaine is a drug that increases energy, alertness and confidence. It is usually snorted as a powder, although it can also be smoked in certain forms. The effects tend to be shorter than some other chemsex drugs, which may lead people to take multiple doses. Possible risks include increased heart rate, anxiety, agitation and strain on the heart. Using cocaine with other stimulants can increase these risks. MDMA / Ecstasy (E, Mandy, Molly, MD) MDMA is a drug that can increase feelings of closeness, emotional connection and pleasure. It is usually swallowed in pill or crystal form, or sometimes taken in capsules. Some people say that MDMA can increase intimacy and closeness during sex. However, it can also cause dehydration, overheating, jaw tension, and low mood after the effects wear off. Mixing MDMA with other stimulants can increase pressure on the heart and body. Erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) Some people use medications for erectile dysfunction during chemsex. These drugs increase blood flow to help maintain erections. They are usually taken as tablets before sex. Stimulant drugs like crystal meth or mephedrone can sometimes make it difficult to get or keep an erection, which is one reason some people use these medications during chemsex. However, erectile dysfunction medications can interact with certain drugs and health conditions. They should never be mixed with poppers, and combining them with some substances can increase strain on the heart. Mixing drugs During chemsex, some people use more than one drug at the same time or during the same session. Mixing drugs can increase risks because substances can interact with each other in unpredictable ways. For example: Mixing depressants like GHB/GBL with alcohol can increase the risk of overdosing Using many stimulants together can increase strain on the heart Mixing drugs can make it harder to judge doses or recognise when someone needs help Understanding how different drugs interact can help reduce harm. Visit our What to do in an emergency page to find out more [LINK] Looking after yourself If you take part in chemsex, knowing what substances are involved and how they work can help you make better and informed choices. Some ways people reduce risk include: Knowing what drug they are taking and how much Avoiding mixing drugs if they can Spacing and timing doses carefully Staying hydrated and resting Using new needles every time if injecting Looking after sexual health with condoms, PrEP, DoxyPEP and regular testing If drug use or chemsex starts to feel difficult to control or begins affecting your health, relationships or daily life, support is available. The Chemsex Support Hub [LINK] can help you find information and services that understand LGBTQ+ communities and offer non-judgemental support. Manage Cookie Preferences