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Drugs Used in “Chemsex”/Sexualized Drug Behaviour—Overview of the Related Clinical Psychopharmacological Issues
,
Stefania Bonaccorso,
Davide Arillotta ,
Amira Guirguis ,
John Martin Corkery ,
Giuseppe Floresta ,
Gabriele Duccio Papanti Pelletier,
Norbert Scherbaum ,
Nicolò Schifano
Brain Sciences, Volume: 15, Issue: 5, Start page: 424
Swansea University Author:
Amira Guirguis
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© 2025 by the authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
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DOI (Published version): 10.3390/brainsci15050424
Abstract
Background: “Chemsex” involves the intake of a range of drugs (e.g., synthetic cathinones, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), ketamine, methamphetamine, “poppers”, type V phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and occasionally a few other molecules...
| Published in: | Brain Sciences |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3425 |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69313 |
| Abstract: |
Background: “Chemsex” involves the intake of a range of drugs (e.g., synthetic cathinones, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), ketamine, methamphetamine, “poppers”, type V phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and occasionally a few other molecules as well, to enhance and prolong sexual experiences. This paper aims to provide an overview of the clinical pharmacology of the vast range of drugs that are being used for chemsex with a focus on both the medical and psychopathological disturbances that they can produce. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 273 papers published up to January 2025 were screened; articles were selected based on relevance to chemsex/sexualized used behaviour and related substances. Both human and preclinical studies were considered. Results: The use of stimulants is likely related to the need to increase as much as possible both sexual arousal and performance but also to increase social interactions. Furthermore, the empathogenic/entactogenic activities of some MDMA-like “love drugs” facilitate the occurrence of “feeling closer/more intimate” emotional sensations, and GHB/GBL may provide the user with a subjective sensation of disinhibition, hence facilitating condomless meetings with a higher number of random partners. Conversely, ketamine may be used to both enjoy its psychotropic dissociative characteristics and facilitate the potentially painful receptive anal intercourse and/or fisting experiences. Most typically, these drugs are consumed in combination, with polydrug exposure possibly facilitating the occurrence of serotonergic syndrome, seizures, drug–drug pharmacokinetics’ interaction, and sympathomimetic overstimulation. Following these polydrug exposures, a range of psychopathological conditions have at times been reported. These issues may lead to misuse of opiates/opioids, gabapentinoids, and/or antipsychotics. Conclusions: Further actions should aim at reducing the stigma that prevents individuals from accessing necessary healthcare and support services. A multidisciplinary approach that combines medical, psychological, and social support remains key to managing the complex challenges posed by chemsex-related drug use. |
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| Keywords: |
chemsex; sexualized drug behaviour; drug use; substance misuse; drug addiction |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Issue: |
5 |
| Start Page: |
424 |