Chemsex

Some people use drugs with sex to enhance sexual intensity, boost confidence or to ‘forget’ about the encounter. These drugs may include; cocaine, methamphetamines, GHB/GBL, ketamine and MDMA.  

Chemsex is more common at sex on premises venues (saunas or sex clubs), sex parties or during sex work. It is important that you test for STIs regularly and use contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy. 

Having sex under the influence of drugs can increase your risk of infection and put your personal safety at risk. Risk factors include: 

  • Having sex with more people than you initially consented to  
  • Engaging in unprotected sexual activity 
  • Engaging in riskier sexual practices 
  • Sharing needles or other paraphernalia  
  • Physical or sexual abuse and assault 
  • Becoming dependent or developing an addiction 

Abusing drugs can lead to; financial troubles, physical and mental health issues, and relationship breakdown. Support is available in Bexley if you want to stop using drugs before sex, if drugs are causing issues in your life, or would like more advice on how to keep yourself safe.  

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause you to make decisions that you normally wouldn’t when sober for example; unprotected sex, sex with strangers, riskier sexual activities or even taking drugs. Being drunk can make you more vulnerable to sexual assault. Remember: if someone is drunk or under the influence, they cannot legally consent to sex.  

If you are taking oral contraceptives (the pill) and you forget to take it, or you vomit from overdose or being drunk, it may make the pill less effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy.  

Overconsumption of alcohol (including binge drinking) can reduce your sexual sensitivity. In females it can cause vaginal dryness, menstrual problems and difficulty to reach orgasm, and in males it can cause problems getting and maintaining erections, reduced sperm motility and prevent or delay orgasm.  

Regular overconsumption of alcohol may result in you becoming dependant or addicted (alcoholism). This can have serious health consequences including some cancers, brain, heart and liver damage, and stroke. Overconsumption is classed as drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Drinkaware have provided a tool to help you understand your relationship with alcohol and your consumption levels. 

If you're looking for support with alcohol in Bexley, The Pier Road Project can help.

Spiking

Spiking is where alcohol or drugs are added to a person’s food or drink without their consent or knowledge. Even if you think it’s just a harmless prank, it may have serious or life-changing consequences and is illegal.  

Spiking is never the fault of the person being spiked. If you're concerned about being spiked, some ways you can reduce your risk are:

  • Do not accept a drink you did not see being made 
  • Avoid accepting drinks from strangers 
  • Cover your drinks with your hand, a napkin or special covers when walking around 
  • Do not leave your drink unattended  
  • If your food or drinks taste off, do not finish it and tell someone you trust so they can keep an eye on you 
  • If you start to feel dizzy, sick or tired, tell a trusted person to take you to the nearest hospital or call 999 if you require urgent help 
  • Report any suspicious activity to a staff member, a trusted adult or the police 

If you are affected by problems related to drugs and alcohol, you can visit your GP, speak to someone you trust, or contact local support services.