Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Supporting others | Chemsex Supporting someone with addiction issues | Chemsex Supporting someone with addiction issues can feel difficult. You may feel worried, frustrated, helpless or unsure what to say. Addiction can involve drugs, alcohol, sex, or other things that can feel difficult to control that cause harm to a person. It can impact anyone, including LGBTQ+ people engaged in chemsex. Finding the right way to support someone can seem scary and a big task, and sometimes there is no “right way” to do so. But you can offer care, encouragement and help them access the right support. Why do some people struggle with addiction? People can develop addiction issues for many different reasons. These can include: Using drugs to cope with stress, trauma or anxiety Managing loneliness, shame or rejection \Wanting confidence or connection Escaping difficult feelings Social pressure Mental health difficulties Habit and dependency over time For some LGBTQ+ people, experiences of discrimination, stigma, family rejection or isolation can increase the pressure people are carrying. This can influence how someone uses drugs to cope. Everyone’s experience is different. What are the signs that someone needs support? It is not always obvious when someone is struggling. Some possible signs can include: Using drugs more often or for longer than planned Difficulty stopping or cutting down Money problems linked to drug use Changes in mood, sleep or mental health Pulling away from friends or family Missing work, study or responsibilities Risk-taking behaviour Feeling ashamed, secretive or defensive Saying they want to stop but feeling unable to These signs do not always mean addiction, but they can mean that someone needs support. How can I support someone? Being supportive often depends on the person and situation, but staying calm, consistent and non-judgemental can help. Helpful things you can do include: Choose a good time to talk privately when they are sober or calm Speak from concern rather than anger Listen without interrupting Listen without judgement Ask open questions and let them talk Be honest about what you have noticed Encourage them to get professional support Offer practical help such as attending appointments or helping them research services Celebrate small steps and progress Respect their privacy where you can Look after your own wellbeing too It might feel difficult, but by being there and showing support it can help someone take the first steps to recovery. What does 'enabling' mean? Enabling is when support accidentally makes it easier for harmful behaviour, in this case addiction around chemsex, to continue. This often comes from love, fear or wanting to avoid fighting and conflict. Examples of enabling can include: Giving money that is used for drugs Calling in sick for them at work Lying to others to protect them Taking over responsibilities they avoid Ignoring behaviour that harms others Repeatedly ‘coming to their rescue’ Supporting someone means caring about them while not removing all responsibility. It can be hard to know where support ends and enabling begins, especially when you care about someone. Avoiding enabling means helping in ways that support change, while allowing the person to take responsibility for their actions. Helpful ways to avoid enabling can include: Setting clear and consistent boundaries Not giving money if it could be used for drugs Avoid lying, covering up or making excuses for them Encourage them to deal with their own responsibilities where possible Offer emotional support Support them to access treatment, counselling or recovery services Be honest about how they are affecting you and others Say no when support would put your wellbeing at risk You can care about someone while still expecting accountability. Sometimes boundaries are one of the most supportive things you can offer. What advice can I give someone struggling with chemsex? If someone is struggling with chemsex, support can include both addiction support and sexual health support. You could encourage them to think about: Their relationship with chemsex and whether they feel in control STI and HIV testing PrEP, PEP and condoms Consent and boundaries Sleep, hydration and nutrition Mental health support Specialist chemsex or LGBTQ+ inclusive services Try not to judge their sex life. Focus on their health, safety and wellbeing. When to seek urgent help You should seek urgent support if someone: Is unconscious or difficult to wake Has trouble breathing Is fitting or having seizures Is extremely confused or paranoid Has taken too much or mixed drugs Is talking about suicide or serious self-harm Call 999 if there is immediate danger. If they are unconscious, place them in the recovery position. Ambulance staff are there to help keep people safe without judgement. Never hesitate to call emergency services. Signposting and finding support If you’re looking to find support for a loved one, there are options which can include: GP services Local drug and alcohol services NHS mental health support Sexual health clinics LGBTQ+ charities and peer support groups Specialist chemsex services where available Crisis helplines in urgent situations If someone is not ready for treatment, harm reduction support can still help. You can find a full list of chemsex help and support services on our directory [LINK]. Looking after yourself Supporting someone with addiction 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 offers non-judgemental information for LGBTQ+ people affected by chemsex, addiction and wellbeing concerns. Whether you are worried about your own use or supporting someone else, the hub can help you understand options, reduce harm and find appropriate support. Manage Cookie Preferences