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NAVIGATING SUPPORT
Words and terms
It can be confusing and distressing if services don’t know what you are saying or use language you don’t understand. This can result in miscommunication, judgement, stereotyping, and bias. However, having an understanding of some of the words and terms used by services can help you when accessing treatment, support or harm reduction.
Substance
A board term for any chemical that can affect a persons mind or behaviour. In drug and alcohol services, the term refers to any psychoactive (mind altering) drug, such as alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and other substances such as solvents or inhalants. It is used to avoid stigma or judgement and be more inclusive with a focus on support, not stereotypes or clichés.
Substance use
The consumption of any drug, legal or illegal, regardless of context or reason, ranging from occasional or experimental use to regular or every day use, that may or may not lead to problems. It is a broad term that doesn’t necessarily imply any harm or dependence.
Substance misuse
When substance use becomes a pattern of harmful use despite negative consequences it may be classified as substance misuse.
Substance use becomes a concern when it leads to negative consequences for the user or those around them, such us health, legal, social, or financial problems and implies loss of control, dependency, or other negative consequences.
Sexualised drug use (SDU)
The international use of psychoactive substances before or during sex to enhance, intensify, disinhibit or prolong the experience, cope with anxiety or create feelings of intimacy within a group setting. Sexualised drug use is not limited to any group or specific drugs.
Chemsex
A specific form of SDU, primarily among gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Involving crystal meth, mephedrone, and GHB/GBL used for sex, to facilitate sex, often in extended sessions, sometimes with multiple partners.
Relationship between these terms
- All chemsex is SDU.
- All SDU is substance use.
- Not all substance use is SDU or chemsex.