Marcus Gertzen1, Moritz Strasburger2, Jan Geiger3, Cornelia Rosenberger2, Solveig Gernun2, Johanna Schwarz2, Andrea Rabenstein2, Tobias Rüther2. 1. Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik der Universität Augsburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg, Dr.-Mack-Str. 1, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland. marcus.gertzen@bkh-augsburg.de. 2. Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, LMU Klinikum München, München, Deutschland. 3. Schwules Kommunikations- und Kulturzentrum München e. V., München, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recently there has been an increase in reports of the phenomenon called chemsex, a subform of sexualized substance use. Chemsex is a neologism consisting of the two terms "chemicals" and "sex". It describes the use of methamphetamine, γ‑hydroxybutyrate/γ-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), mephedrone and sometimes other substances in a sexual context, especially by men who have sex with men (MSM). Chemsex has been described as a significant risk factor for mental and physical diseases. OBJECTIVE: Due to the increasing importance of the phenomenon and the significantly increased number of publications on the subject, this article provides an overview of the current and relevant literature. The aim is to raise awareness on this topic among practitioners and researchers and thus to facilitate access to the help system for those affected. METHOD: A literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane and Embase for the terms "chemsex", "sexualized drug use" and "slamming. A total of 22 articles were identified as being relevant. RESULTS: In the published literature on chemsex the current focus lies on somatic comorbidities. There is a significantly increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Mental illnesses such as depression, substance-induced psychosis and addiction also appear to be a significant consequence of chemsex. An individualized and specialized treatment approach is not yet established. DISCUSSION: The complexity of chemsex with its psychiatric and somatic aspects does not yet appear to be sufficiently reflected by the current data situation; however, due to the mutual influence of these different comorbidities, this patient clientele appears to be particularly at risk in the absence of a specialized treatment option, which is why further research on this topic is needed.
BACKGROUND: Recently there has been an increase in reports of the phenomenon called chemsex, a subform of sexualized substance use. Chemsex is a neologism consisting of the two terms "chemicals" and "sex". It describes the use of methamphetamine, γ‑hydroxybutyrate/γ-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), mephedrone and sometimes other substances in a sexual context, especially by men who have sex with men (MSM). Chemsex has been described as a significant risk factor for mental and physical diseases. OBJECTIVE: Due to the increasing importance of the phenomenon and the significantly increased number of publications on the subject, this article provides an overview of the current and relevant literature. The aim is to raise awareness on this topic among practitioners and researchers and thus to facilitate access to the help system for those affected. METHOD: A literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane and Embase for the terms "chemsex", "sexualized drug use" and "slamming. A total of 22 articles were identified as being relevant. RESULTS: In the published literature on chemsex the current focus lies on somatic comorbidities. There is a significantly increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Mental illnesses such as depression, substance-induced psychosis and addiction also appear to be a significant consequence of chemsex. An individualized and specialized treatment approach is not yet established. DISCUSSION: The complexity of chemsex with its psychiatric and somatic aspects does not yet appear to be sufficiently reflected by the current data situation; however, due to the mutual influence of these different comorbidities, this patient clientele appears to be particularly at risk in the absence of a specialized treatment option, which is why further research on this topic is needed.
Authors: Daniel Íncera-Fernández; Francisco J Román; Manuel Gámez-Guadix Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-05-24 Impact factor: 4.614