Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Supporting others | Chemsex How to help someone have chemsex more safely If someone you care about takes part in chemsex, you may feel worried about their safety and unsure how to help. Some people may not want to stop chemsex right now, but they may still be open to reducing risks and looking after themselves more safely. Not everyone who has chemsex has a problem. Some people may only want practical advice around safety, boundaries or health. How can I start the conversation? Choose a calm and private time to talk, rather than during a session, comedown or an argument. When you’re approaching the conversation, consider: Speaking from caring place, not from judgement Asking if they are open to talking about safety or their health Being curious and not critical Listeing to their experience Respecting their choices Being honest about your concerns Offering practical support rather than lecturing them As long as you start an open dialogue and come from an encouraging and supportive place, they might be ready to talk openly. How can introduce checklists and planning? Some people find it easier to stay safer when they plan ahead. You could suggest the idea of a chemsex plan or making a checklist together before a session. A safer chemsex checklist could include: Knowing what drugs they’re going to take Avoiding mixing drugs or alcohol where possible Knowing doses and waiting before redosing Charging phones and keeping emergency numbers available Letting a trusted person know where they are Having condoms, lube, PrEP, DoxyPEP or other sexual health supplies Having clean injecting equipment if needed and never sharing equipment Having water, food and easy snacks available Planning their route home safely Planning time to rest afterwards Checklists can help reduce harm and making decisions while high. How can I talk about boundaries and consent? Chemsex can impact someone’s judgement, their communication and decision making. Talking about boundaries beforehand can help as this will remind people of their limits and could keep them safer. You could talk to them about: What they do and don’t want when it comes to sex Agreeing how to check in during sessions – let them know you’re available if they need you Respecting if someone changes of mind at any time, including themselves and others Not feeling pressured by others to have sex they don’t want or take drugs they don’t want to Looking out for signs someone can’t consent and protecting others Leaving situations that feel unsafe Consent should always be clear, ongoing and freely given, and let them know consent can be withdrawn at any time. How can I help someone with after-care and comedowns after sessions? What happens after chemsex can be just as important as what happens during it. Some people feel low, anxious, ashamed or physically drained afterwards. Comedowns can feel harsh, depending on how much and what drugs they took. You could offer advice and suggest they: Sleep and rest Rehydrate and eat Shower and wear fresh clothes to improve their mood Take time away from apps or social pressures to recharge Talk through anything if they felt uncomfortable or unsafe Book STI/HIV testing if they need it Try and get back to their normal routines Check in on their mood and mental health over the next few days Comedowns and low mood can happen, so extra support can be helpful. Looking after yourself Supporting someone through any chemsex issues can be draining and tiring, mentally and physically. Protecting your own wellbeing too is important. There are things you can do to help yourself so you can continue to help your loved ones: Take time away from the situation if you need it Find your own counselling or peer support Get advice from support organisations Find support from trusted friends or family You can care about someone without carrying everything for them, and if you don’t look after yourself, then you won’t be in the best position to help them. How can the Chemsex Support Hub help? The Chemsex Support Hub provides non-judgemental information for LGBTQ+ people who take part in chemsex, and for the people who care about them. Whether someone wants to reduce risks, understand their relationship with chemsex, or access support, the hub can help them make informed choices and find appropriate services. Manage Cookie Preferences