Getting help for issues related to chemsex can feel overwhelming and vulnerable, but our team is here to make it a positive and healthy decision for you.
We offer a range of rehab options to suit your individual needs — from 7-day rehab, 14-day rehab, 28-day rehab, and 90-day rehab programmes to more flexible outpatient options that allow you to return home each day, or inpatient programmes that provide round-the-clock support for the best possible results.
Our experienced professionals will take the time to explain each option and guide you through the process in a safe, non-judgemental environment, helping you get the right treatment to overcome dependency and address the complex issues surrounding chemsex.
Simply call us on 0203 955 7700 to speak to a customer care advisor today.
Speak to us about:
- 7-day, 14-day, 28-day, 90-day treatment
- Detox programmes for chemsex drugs (GHB/GBL, meth, mephedrone)
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient rehab
- Online rehab support
- LGBTQ+ sensitive care
- Ongoing support and aftercare
- Secondary treatment
- Sexual health support
- Addressing underlying issues
At Help4Addiction, we use proven techniques to reduce dependency on substances used in chemsex and offer compassionate, specialised advice to help you take that first step. We want to give you the confidence to get help and become the best version of yourself.
Our team of trained professionals are on standby and ready to talk and discuss your requirements, with no judgement and no obligation.
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How Can Help4Addiction Help With Chemsex-Related Addiction?
7 Day Rehab – As an initial treatment option, this will involve counselling, therapy sessions, detox support and wellness activities. This starting point can be valuable for some people beginning their recovery, whilst others may choose to extend their stay. This can take place online, in a rehab clinic (inpatient) or whilst visiting a clinic each day (outpatient).
14 Day Rehab – For more comprehensive treatment, a 14-day programme may be needed to address chemsex-related dependency. Treatment includes counselling, CBT, group therapy and activities designed to help you understand and overcome the patterns of use.
28 Day Rehab – A one-month rehab stay provides thorough support with all the treatments mentioned, with options to stay for 28 days in the rehab clinic (inpatient) or to stay at home and visit each day (outpatient).
90 Day Rehab Programme – A 90-day or three-month stay offers extended support and may include a combination of inpatient and outpatient care. The longer timeframe provides space to address both the substance dependency and underlying issues such as self-esteem, intimacy, and connection.
Detox Programmes – Depending on which substances you’ve been using (GHB/GBL, methamphetamine, mephedrone, or others), we provide medically supervised detox to help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms under professional care.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab – You have the option of staying in the clinic overnight (inpatient) or visiting the clinic each day (outpatient). Outpatient treatment can be more affordable and flexible, and some people respond well to this. Others benefit more from inpatient care, which provides a safe, structured environment away from triggers.
Ongoing Support and Aftercare – Also known as secondary treatment, there are various follow-on treatments available after rehab to prevent relapse. This may include having a sponsor, access to support lines, attending therapy groups specifically for chemsex recovery, and being part of LGBTQ+ community organisations.
What Is Chemsex and Why Is It Risky?
Chemsex refers to the use of specific drugs before or during sexual activity, predominantly within the LGBTQ+ community (particularly amongst men who have sex with men). The most commonly used substances are methamphetamine (crystal meth), GHB/GBL, and mephedrone, though other drugs may also be involved.
The practice is risky for multiple reasons. Chemsex sessions can last for hours or even days, increasing exposure to harmful substances and risky sexual behaviours. The drugs lower inhibitions and impair judgement, which can lead to unprotected sex, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), and potentially dangerous situations.
Research shows that men who engage in chemsex are three times more likely to acquire HIV compared to those who don’t. Additionally, the combination of drugs used and the frequency of use can quickly lead to physical dependence, psychological addiction, and serious mental health problems.
When Do I Seek Help for Chemsex Addiction?
You should consider seeking professional help if you:
Feel unable to enjoy sex or intimacy without using drugs
Are using GHB/GBL, meth, or mephedrone more frequently or in higher doses
Experience memory loss, blackouts, or risky behaviour during chemsex sessions
Have noticed a decline in your physical or sexual health
Feel anxious, guilty, or depressed after sessions
Find that chemsex is interfering with work, relationships, or daily life
Have experienced unsafe situations, hospital visits, or overdoses
Are using alone or hiding your use from others
Even if you’re not sure whether you need treatment, talking to someone can help you understand your situation better. Our advisors provide free, confidential support and can guide you toward the right care — without judgement.
Call 0203 955 7700 today to speak to a trained advisor who can help you take the first step toward recovery.
How Do I Know If Chemsex Has Become a Problem?
Chemsex becomes problematic when drug use and sexual activity become intertwined in a way that’s difficult to separate, and when it starts to negatively impact your health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Physical Health Impact: You may notice declining physical health such as weight loss, fatigue, skin problems, sexual health issues, and general poor health.
The drugs commonly used in chemsex sessions can cause significant damage to your heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Regular users often experience erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping, and weakened immune systems.
Mental Health Struggles: Chemsex is strongly linked to mental health problems including depression, anxiety, paranoia, and low self-esteem. You may find that you can only enjoy or engage in sexual activity whilst under the influence of drugs, or that you feel shame, guilt, or emptiness after sessions.
Loss of Control: If you find yourself unable to have sex without drugs, planning your life around chemsex sessions, cancelling commitments to use, or continuing despite knowing the risks, these are clear signs that dependency has developed. You may also notice that you’re using more frequently, using alone, or hiding your use from others.
Relationship and Social Problems: Chemsex can isolate you from friends, family, and partners who don’t engage in the practice. Relationships may break down, you might lose interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, and work performance often suffers.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms When Stopping Chemsex Drugs?
Withdrawal symptoms depend on which substances you’ve been using, but they can be challenging and sometimes dangerous without proper support.
For GHB/GBL users: Withdrawal can be severe and potentially life-threatening, including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, rapid heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. Medical supervision is essential.
For methamphetamine users: Withdrawal is primarily psychological but intense, including severe fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, intense cravings, and loss of pleasure in activities.
For mephedrone users: Common symptoms include low mood, anxiety, poor concentration, fatigue, and strong cravings.
Many people also experience psychological withdrawal from the sexual experiences themselves, which can be challenging to navigate. Professional support helps you manage both the physical and psychological aspects of stopping.
What Treatments Are Available for Chemsex-Related Issues?
- Medically supervised detoxification
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychosexual therapy
- Individual counselling
- Group therapy with others recovering from chemsex
- Medication to manage withdrawal and mental health
- Sexual health screening and support
- LGBTQ+ sensitive care
- Addressing trauma, self-esteem, and intimacy issues
- Building healthy relationships with sex and intimacy
- Long-term aftercare and community support
Call us today on 0203 955 7700. Our team is ready to talk through your options and help you start your journey to recovery.
About Author
Nick Conn
Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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