Search Result

Finding the right chemsex support

Gay men needing chemsex support require specialist help and advice. Unfortunately, these services are not universally available, and things can be worse outside the big cities.

When guys experience a ‘crash’ after chemsex or find themselves in crisis they often need support from a range of services (eg: recovery, mental health, legal, housing, debt) and mainstream services are not always geared up to work together—though some are making efforts to improve ths.

The truth is that issues like this are affecting many LGBT+ people trying to access health services at a time when there is less funding available and more cuts than ever before. Services are trying to work better together to provide tailored and integrated support—but finding the right help can still be complicated and frustrating. In larger towns and cities some sexual health, drug, LGBT+, mental health, and local authority services are working together. However, some services lack “subject matter expertise” (SME) which refers to knowledge, skills, and/ or experience in a specific field or topic, such as chems, sex, and the lives of LGBT+ people.

Too often services are “heteronormative” in that they assume heterosexuality as the default experience, often excluding or overlooking LGBT+ identities, relationships, and needs. Drug services are waking up to the fact they’ve ‘neglected’ the LGBT+ community for decades, with many only seeming to have a passing understanding of gay men’s health and wider LGBT+ issues. However, some are starting to respond positively, becoming LGBT+ friendlier, developing expertise—something long overdue.

Gay, gay friendly, or mainstream
We understand gay men often prefer gay or gay-friendly services that reflect their lived experience and have a better understanding the issues affecting their lives, understanding the unique challenges of chemsex. Ohile others are comfortable accessing mainstream services.

Most health and support providers aim to be welcoming, respectful, and knowledgeable—but the key is to find a service that feels right for you, one that listens and truly ‘gets the job done.’

Your doctor (GP)
It’s understandable why you might feel your GP won’t have the knowledge and expertise they need when dealing with issues surrounding chemsex, but they should be able to be supportive and signpost you to someone who can help you. This might include a drugs or counselling service though these are unlikely to be gay-specific.  GPs are the 'gateway' to primary care so developing a relationship is potentially very important.

If you don’t know where to start
Perhaps a first step may be talking to someone you trust, a friend, a sex bud, even the ex. Some of the best support can still be found within our own community. If you don’t know where to start, contacting a local HIV or LGBT+ organisation can be a good place to start. While they may not be able to help you directly, they usually know what’s going on in the area and can signpost accordingly.

Ask questions and check
Before engaging with a service, don’t hesitate to check whether it feels like a good fit. A quick call or visit by you or a friend can give you a sense of their vibe. Here are some questions you might ask.

• “Do you have a drug, alcohol and/ or chemsex service specifically for gay/ bi men?”
• “Have your frontline staff had training on chemsex, gay men’s health, and wider LGBT+ issues?”
• “How do existing clients respond to LGBT+ people?”
• “Would you say your service is LGBT+ friendly?”

It’s also worth checking out the service’s website. Look for signs that they acknowledge and support your needs. Are terms like chemsex, LGBT, gay, MSM, or GBMSM mentioned anywhere?

Drugs, alcohol and chemsex support services | MEN R US