‘Chemsex’ reaching a point of no return if nothing is done, experts say

Stakeholders from community, health, and research circles, grouped together in the “Cri de ralliement” committee, are calling for “chemsex,” or the use of synthetic drugs in a sexual context—particularly crystal meth, GHB-GBL, and ketamine—be recognized by authorities as a public health issue before “reaching a point of no return.”

This phenomenon has grown in recent years.

The limited data available on chemsex—which is most prevalent among sexually diverse men and transgender and non-binary individuals—shows that it often stems from a combination of sexual and mental health issues. This practice also further marginalizes vulnerable communities.

According to community and research circles, support services for people who engage in chemsex are struggling to adequately meet their needs, a