Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Looking after yourself | Chemsex Using crystal meth | Safer chems Crystal meth (also called meth, crystal, Tina, T) is a drug sometimes used during chemsex because it can increase reduce inhibitions, energy, confidence, horniness and stamina. However, crystal meth also has risks to physical health, mental health and sexual wellbeing. It can be highly addictive and can increase the chances of harm during long sessions. This guide is about reducing harm, staying safer, and knowing when to get help. What does crystal meth feel like? The effects can change depending on the amount taken, how it’s used, your body size, tolerance, sleep, whether you’ve eaten, and whether it has been mixed with other drugs. People may experience good and bad side-effects of crystal meth: Increased energy or alertness Feeling confident, happy or powerful Increased sex drive Greater stamina or feeling more awake Feeling sociable or talkative Reduced appetite Fast heart rate Jaw clenching or teeth grinding Anxiety, agitation or paranoia Difficulty sleeping At higher doses or used repeatedly, crystal meth can increase the risk of panic, psychosis, overheating, heart problems or collapse. Step 1: know what you’re taking Crystal meth strength and purity can vary. Drugs bought illegally may contain other substances or be stronger than expected. This means one person’s “normal amount” may be too much for someone else. To stay safer, think about: Never assume purity or strength Be careful with a new batch Start with less than usual if you’re unsure Avoid pressure to match someone else’s use Step 2: choose how to take it more safely People may use crystal meth in different ways, including swallowing, snorting, smoking, slamming (injecting), or booty bumping (rectal use). Each method carries different risks. When you swallow it can take longer to come up and the effects might last longer. To stay safer, think about: Starting on a low dose Wait before taking more Avoid repeated topping up too quickly When snorting, it can irritate the nose and damage nasal tissue. To stay safer, think about: Crushing it into a fine powder as possible Use your own straw/snorter Rinse your nose gently afterwards Avoid sharing snorting equipment When smoking, it can irritate the lungs, the throat and lips. To stay safer, think about: Using your own pipe if possible Watch out for burns or cuts Stay hydrated When injecting (slamming), it carries the highest risks, including overdose, viruses, vein damage, infections and over using. To stay safer, think about: Using new sterile equipment every time Never sharing needles, syringes, spoons, water or filters Switching up injection sites Accessing needle exchange services Seeking support if injecting feels difficult to control When booty bumping/rectal using, it can irritate the delicate tissue in the anus and increase absorption. To stay safer, think about: Using lube Using clean equipment Being gentle and careful when you do it Start dosing lower than usual Step 3: pace yourself Crystal meth can last a long time, especially compared with many other drugs. Redosing a lot can increase risks and make it harder to stop. To stay safer, think about: Deciding limits before starting Taking breaks Keeping track of time and how much you’ve used Planning when you want the session to end Long sessions can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and physical and emotional crashes. That's why pacing yourself and having a session plan can help you stay safer and more in control. Step 4: protect your sexual health and boundaries Crystal meth can increase your sex drive, reduce inhibitions and affect your judgement. This can make it harder to communicate clearly or stick to boundaries when it comes to sex. To stay safer, think about: What kind of sex are you comfortable with having? What are your hard limits? Looking out for other too Are condoms, PrEP, DoxyPEP or lube part of your plan? Who can you contact if things go wrong? What time do you want to leave or stop? During longer sessions, remember to check in with yourself and others regularly. If it doesn't feel right you can say no, stop and leave. What to watch out for Crystal meth can sometimes have difficult or dangerous effects, especially with high doses, lack of sleep or repeated use. Watch out for things like: Chest pain Racing heart or irregular heartbeat Severe anxiety or panic Aggression or extreme agitation Paranoia Hearing or seeing things Overheating Dehydration Not sleeping for long periods These are signs the situation may be becoming riskier and signs you should slow down or stop. If you need help and suppot with your crystal meth use, visit our support directory [LINK] If you take too much crystal meth it can be an emergency. Watch out for things like: Bad chest pain Trouble breathing Seizure Collapse Severe overheating Extreme confusion Violent agitation Hallucinations or psychosis Loss of consciousness If you spot any of this you should: Call emergency services immediately Move them to a calm, cooler space if safe Reassure them and speak calmly Ask them to breath slowly if conscious Do not give more drugs or alcohol Stay with them until help arrives Tell paramedics what was taken if known If they are unconscious, place them in the recovery position [LINK]. Call 999 in an emergency. Ambulance staff are there to help keep people safe without judgement. Never hesitate to call emergency services. 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