Chem sex and gay men
Chem sex has been receiving significant mainstream media coverage recently, though is still primarily an issue affecting urban gay men and one for which they may benefit from a London psychologist for gay people.
A definition
Chem sex describes the use of drugs within a sexual context, particularly at chill-outs and in group sex environments, with the dual aims of diminishing inhibitions and enhancing sexual experience. Drugs taken generally fall into three categories, Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth/Tina), Mephedrone (Meph/Drone) and GHB (G). Although often producing the opposite effect, and taken for more complex reasons, the drugs are promoted as facilitating more extreme, longer lasting sex.
Private counselling in London for gay men is confidential and conducted in a relaxing, nonthreatening atmosphere.
A social context
Chem sex among gay men in London has become increasingly widespread, linked in part to the rise of sex date apps such as Grindr and Hornet, and an increasingly sexualised and less risk averse gay culture. As the perceived threat of HIV and Aids diminishes, riskier sexual practices including chem sex and unprotected sex have become increasingly commonplace. This is also an area for which psychotherapy London is being increasingly sought.
Chem sex counselling in London
Unfortunatly, the rise in chem sex addiction is still not fully understood, although for many participants there’s a strong link between chem sex engagement and psychological issues surrounding low self-esteem related to sexual identity, and body image and intimacy issues. The drugs create an artificial sense of connection, confidence and intimacy, and also allow for an enhanced sense of belonging and community. Hence the simultaneous need for consulting an experienced psychologist London.
Understanding your issu
Many chem sex addicts will have their own, complex and often painful reasons for their addiction. As a cultural phenomenon, it is complex and defies many of the accepted cultural stereotypes surrounding addiction: many addicts work in and maintain highly pressured professional jobs, and have significant disposable income.
Minimising the risks
Chem sex addiction does come with significant physical, sexual and mental health risks, from increased HIV and STI transmission as a result of the lowering of sexual inhibitions, to date rape and the risks of overdose and drug addiction. The physical risks can be diminished by not sharing needles when injecting, practising safe sex where possible, testing regularly for HIV and STIs and, if you have practised unsafe sex, contacting an STI clinic immediately for PEP.
Finding your answer
For a fuller understanding of the condition however, and to address what can be an intensely destructive behaviour, psychotherapy and counselling for gay men in London struggling with chem sex addiction will encourage examination of underlying motivations and develop managing strategies.
Getting support
For more information or help with any addiction and dependency, contact Justin Duwe, an experienced psychologist in London, whose specialist area is helping gay men with a range of issues.
You can call Justin on T: 07717 664177 or justin@justinduwe.com
