Home > Addictions We Support With > Behavioural Addictions > Chemsex Addiction
Chemsex is the term used for sex that occurs when under the influence of drugs. People will normally use drugs before, or during sex to increase duration, maximise pleasure or remove inhibitions, such as the feeling of self-consciousness or shyness.
Not all individuals who use drugs during sex will be addicted, but it is vital to understand the potential issues that can come with participating in chemsex.
Any drug addiction, including chemsex addiction, can be difficult to fight alone, but Help4Addiction can help you find your next step. Both detox and rehab solutions are available today.
Chemsex addiction, also known as “party and play” and “wired play” are terms used for individuals who consume drugs to add to their sexual experiences. The individuals who partake in these behaviours will normally use drugs to advance their sexual appetite, by performing acts that may be considered “high-risk”.
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Some drugs are used more than others when it comes to chemsex, with more people preferring opiates or drugs that leave the user sedated.
Popular drugs for chemsex include MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, crystal meth and cannabis.
As the range of drugs somebody can use when participating in chemsex is vast, there isn’t just one definite answer to this question.
If someone is ingesting cocaine, ketamine or crystal meth regularly, there is a high chance that someone might begin to have a psychological dependence over time. If taken in large or consistent doses, it can lead to addiction.
If you believe you may be addicted to chemsex, we recommend you reach out to somebody today. If you are looking for rehab solutions, please start a consultation today.
As the list of drugs that can be used within chemsex is vast, so are the effects you may experience. We would advise that any of the symptoms listed below could occur, but it is dependent on the type of drug you are ingesting.
Effects that may arise when coming down from recreational drugs:
As with any activity when incorporating the use of recreational drugs, there are dangers that can occur. From addiction to the increased risk of diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.
As we have mentioned before, addiction is one of the many dangers that can happen when you partake in chemsex, especially regularly.
The problem with taking drugs such as MDMA, crystal meth and cocaine consistently is that they affect your brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels. By impacting these chemicals, your body forgets how to manage them properly, and begins to rely on other means to release these “feel good” chemicals into the brain.
Drug addiction can be defined as a chronic disease, where you are dependent on a specific drug to function, and lack control over taking the drug itself.
If you feel like you are suffering from chemsex addiction, this is something Help4Addiction can assist with. We are addiction experts and can find the right treatment for your specific addiction, whatever the circumstance.
When you take part in chemsex, one of the potential dangers that you can look to minimise is the risk of disease. If you need equipment to administer your drugs, be sure to bring them yourself.
Especially when using needles, if you share them with other users the chances of spreading diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C are increased, so do what you can to distinguish your needles from anyone else’s equipment.
Particularly when done consistently, chemsex can lead to contracting sexually transmitted diseases. This is something that everyone within the community should be aware of, and regular STI screenings are advised.
Taking recreational drugs on the weekend can always have the opportunity to alter surrounding relationships. From the friends that see you in this altered state, to other friends, family and work colleagues who you may interact with when suffering through withdrawals.
After engaging in chemsex, you may feel withdrawn, tired and disengaged. As your brain returns to its normal serotonin levels, conversations with friends can be strained and living with family can be difficult.
If you or your loved ones believe chemsex or recreational drugs are damaging your day-to-day life, Help4Addiction can find the right treatment for you.
We offer a range of detox solutions, as well as rehab facilities across the United Kingdom.
Help4Addiction has rehab and drug detox facilities that can assist with many drug addictions. Here, we would never recommend that you quit drugs cold turkey, so our detox facilities come with the medication you need to go through the withdrawal stage as comfortably as possible.
If you go into one of our rehab centres, you will go through an initial assessment period where we can understand your dependencies and learn more about your personal history. The second stage will be to go through the detox period, where you will withdraw from the drugs you are addicted to.
After this stage, you can begin the counselling and therapy sessions, which can remove or help you understand the negative behaviours that surround your addiction.
When you have been cleared, aftercare or potential secondary treatments will be made available for you to use. This will include joining a local support group and visits to the rehab centre to ensure you remain on track.
Chemsex can increase the chances of contracting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. It can also negatively impact your health, both physically and mentally, through the use of drugs and subsequent withdrawal.
Chemsex is the act of taking recreational drugs before engaging in sexual activity. Taking stimulants before these acts can improve longevity and remove inhibitions such as shyness and insecurities.
Help4Addiction has rehabilitation centres across England and Wales, all ready to help you or your loved ones with a chemsex addiction.
We work with you to ensure that the required rehab centre is as close as possible while also providing support for the specific drug or drugs, alongside the behavioural addiction.
Don’t face addiction alone. Whether you’re dealing with prescribed drugs, illicit drugs, alcohol, or even other behavioural addictions, our friendly team is dedicated to helping you find the path to recovery.
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Calls and contact requests are answered by our admissions team at Help 4 Addiction. We work with a network of addiction rehabs throughout the UK and also some internationally. We do not own any of these clinics and we receive payment for our referral services.
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