Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Looking after yourself | Chemsex Before a session | The chemsex prep guide If you’re planning to have chemsex, making sure you’re prepared can help keep you safer and reduce any risks. Every chemsex sessions can be different. They can involve different people, last longer than you expect, and even involve some drugs you don’t expect. However, planning ahead as best as you possibly can, will better look after your sexual health, physical health and wellbeing. This guide is not about judgement or telling people what to do, it’s about helping people make informed choices and reducing any potential harm. How am I feeling? Before agreeing to a chemsex session, check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling and where you are at mentally. Think about things like: Do I actually want to do this today? Am I feeling pressured or doing this to please someone else? Am I in a good enough headspace? Have I slept recently? Have I eaten and had water today? Am I feeling lonely, low, depressed, anxious or vulnerable? If you’re already feeling mentally or physically run down, a session may feel harder to manage, and may be some time off partying, or reducing how much you’re partying, might be best for you. Who am I meeting? Think about whether you know the people involved and whether the environment feels safe. Who’s organising the chill out? Do you know who’s going? Etc. Also consider things like: Is the organiser someone I trust? Is the location safe? Do I know how to leave if I want to? Does someone know where I am going? Am I comfortable with everyone attending? If something feels off beforehand, it is okay to cancel or change your mind. If you’re organising the session, think about your own safety too. Do you know and trust everyone attending? Are your belongings safe? Do you have ground rules and boundaries you can set? What boundaries can I set? Setting personal boundaries before you have a session can help you stay safer, more comfortable, and help avoid doing things you don’t want to do. Consider things like: When it comes to sex, what are you comfortable with doing? Are you OK with group sex or new people joining in? Are you OK with any videos or photos being taken? What drugs are you OK with taking? What time you want to leave or stop? Don’t forget, you’re allowed to say no at any time, even if you said yes earlier. You can always withdraw consent. What do I need to bring? Like packing for a holiday, it’s worth planning out what to bring to a chemsex session. It can mean you have a better time and can help you be prepares and stay safer. Consider bringing or having on hand: PrEP (and taking it beforehand if you used daily or event-based) Lube Condoms (if you use them) DoxyPEP - make sure you have it ready for after your session Any regular medication you need to take Any dosing equipment so you dose safely Some practical items might also be helpful: Phone charger - to stay in contact with friends, set alarms for dosing etc Water, hydration drinks Snacks or easy food Clean clothes ID/travel card/money for getting home If a session goes on longer than expected, these things can make a difference. What’s my drug safety plan? Being prepared when taking drugs will keep you safer, can help you avoid overdosing or trying drugs you may not want to. Consider things like: Know what you are taking - do you trust the supplier? Do you know exactly what’s in it? Etc Avoid mixing drugs unless you understand the risks Be extra careful with GHB/GBL, where small dose differences can have serious effects Use your own measuring device if possible Pace yourself rather than re-dosing impulsively – set alarms, timers etc Think about how much you are bringing and how much you want to do Avoid mixing with alcohol Stay hydrated By doing some or all of these things, it can help keep you safer. Who should I tell? Letting someone know, like a trusted friend, what you are doing or where you are going can help keep you safe. Having someone check in on you could also help you stay within your limits and not stay longer than you may want. If possible, let someone know: Where you are going Who you are meeting Roughly when you expect to be back How they can check in with you This can be especially helpful if meeting new people or going somewhere you don’t know. What do I do if something goes wrong? If someone is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a fit/seizure, is unresponsive, or you’re worried about an overdose, seek emergency help immediately. Call 999. Ambulance services are there to help keep people safe without judgement. Never hesitate to call emergency services. Looking after yourself during and afterwards Read our full guides for looking after yourself during and after chemsex sessions: During a session | The chemsex safety guide After a session | The chemsex wellness guide Finding support If chemsex is starting to affect your wellbeing, relationships, sex life, finances or mental health, support is available. The Chemsex Support Hub offers non-judgemental information and help for LGBTQ+ people around chemsex, sexual health and wellbeing. [LINK] Manage Cookie Preferences