Ricerc@Sapienza

Objectives: Chemsex is referred to illicit drugs use (GHB/GBL, methamphetamine, and mephedrone) to enhance the sexual activity in Men who
have Sex with Men (MSM). Most studies focused on the health risks
associated to chemsex, while less attention was paid on the effects on sexual
response and motivations to engage in this behavior. The current study aims
to investigate how drugs used in chemsex might affect the sexual activity and
which are the motivations encouraging men to use them.

Chemsex is a novel phenomenon referred to illicit drugs consumption to facilitate, enhance and prolong the sexual experience in Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). Since 2012, Chemsex quickly became identified in big cities and sex-on-premise venues giving rise to a transdisciplinary attention due to the related public health risks. The present study aims to investigate the contexts, the patterns of substance use and the first chemsex experience in a group of Italian MSM practicing chemsex.

Background: Chemsex is a novel phenomenon referring to the consumption of illicit drugs to facilitate, enhance, and prolong the sexual experience in men who have sex with men (MSM). Aim: The present study aims to investigate contexts, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction in a group of MSM practicing chemsex in Italy. Methods: Thirty MSM involved in chemsex activities were interviewed between February and July 2019.