It's not often I talk about Chemsex on LinkedIn - but here's why I should do it more. A modern crisis where we need to normalise the conversation.

Today, 14 years ago, a good friend of mine died from an overdose during a #chemsex party. He was found outside in the middle of the street, barely breathing, unresponsive and only wearing a pair of lounge shorts. The others at the party had moved him outside and left him to die.

Chemsex amongst the LGBT community in our cities is an epidemic. Chemsex support worker David Stuart says that over 3,000 gay men accessing 56 Dean Street each month are using chemsex drugs, & 70% are unable or unwilling to have sober sex. It is not a phenomenon that is going away anytime soon.

over 3,000 gay men accessing 56 Dean Street each month are using chemsex drugs, & 70% are unable or unwilling to have sober sex.

Following the enforcement of social distancing as a result of the #COVID19 pandemic - there has been an increase of 'online' chemsex meetups using video sharing platforms such as Zoom. The monotony of quarantine life for those with an addiction being a huge factor. It was a crisis before coronavirus and the full effects will not be known for some time.

Chemsex is a term used when people are having sex, using one or more of three specific drugs (chems) in any combination. The three main drugs taken are methamphetamine, mephedrone and GHB/GBL. Read up on them on the Talk To Frank website: https://talktofrank.com/drugs-a-z

75% of chemsex participants are less likely to call an ambulance in overdose situations

Research shows that in #London, around 75% of chemsex participants are less likely to call an ambulance in overdose situations - because they are fearful the police will turn up as well. Instead, they hope an overdose will be simply 'slept off'.

It is, of course, possible that First Aid could've saved the death of my friend. David Stuart has created a free Chemsex First Aid manual. First Aid skills, while remembering how vulnerable we can be under the influence of drugs, can improve our chances of avoiding accidents, overdoses and deaths. The manual is also available in a number of different languages here.

For Radio 4's The Report, Mobeen Azhar speaks to men entrenched in this lifestyle and explores the impact the so-called 'chemsex' scene is having on public health services.

Just 4 days ago a chemsex specialist drug dealing gang in East London made the news - where it's highlighted just how easily available these drugs are in Tower Hamlets and the surrounding areas. You can read the full article in the East London and West Essex Guardian.

Chemsex can be is extremely harmful and can be particularly difficult to conquer due to peer pressure and the addictiveness of the drugs. If you or a loved one are struggling with problems caused by chemsex, it’s important to educate yourself and have an honest discussion. Here is a list of the #London alcohol, drug and chemsex support services listed by borough. There are other national services - a quick google search will help.

Stay safe.