NIMBI F.M. (2019). Chemsex: sexualised drug taking among men who have sex with men (MSM). Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology 7(S2), pp60 https://doi.org/10.6092/2282-1619/2019.7.2267

Chemsex is a novel phenomenon referred to drug consumption during sexual events to facilitate, enhance and prolong the experience. Drugs associated with chemsex are usually (but not exclusively) methamphetamine, GHB/GBL and mephedrone. This phenomenon is alarming among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), who are about three times more prone to illicit substances use than other men. Chemsex represents a specific pattern of use of drugs with peculiar characteristics from other addictions, although some studies highlighted an association with polyaddictions (alcohol, internet, sex, pornography, etc.). Since 2012, chemsex quickly became identified in big cities and sex-on-premise venues with a substantial incidence (prevalence of 3.6–93.7% among cohort and cross-sectional studies). Chemsex has given rise to a rapid increase in transdisciplinary attention due to the related public health risks (addiction, overdose, sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems and sexual assaults). To date, in Italy there are no specific services for people who engage in chemsex and regular addiction services are not able to face the emergency due to a lack of knowledge, effective strategies, and negative social attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ population. Given the lack of data at a regional level (Italy), the present study aims to investigate the incidence and extent of chemsex (with particular regard to diffusion, contexts and patterns of use) and the role of associated psycho-sexological factors (psychological and emotional status, sexual functioning, HIV stigma, religious stigma, and internalized/societal homophobia). Pilot results of a web-survey and some in-depth qualitative interviews will be presented, discussing the implication for effective harm reduction programmes.