'It's important we don't stigmatise chemsex', says Cork health officer

The Australian-born advocate drew on his own experiences to help those who engaged in the act, which involves group sex — mostly among men who have sex with men (MSM) — under the influence of sexually disinhibiting drugs. 

These include mind-altering substances such as mephedrone, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and crystallised methamphetamine.

The senior health promotion officer at the sexual health centre, Phil Corcoran, said that chemsex is part of a number of their service users’ history, and it was important that those who need help are willing to seek it out.

He expressed concern about sensationalism around the media’s portrayal of the act, which he fears could negatively impact an “already stigmatised group” and prevent individuals coming forward for advice.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is taken by HIV-negative people to mitigate their chance of contracting HIV, resulting from sex without a condom and from sharing needles or paraphernalia to inject or use drugs.

It is available free of charge through the HSE to those who are particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV through sex.

While the drug cannot be accessed through Cork’s Sexual Health Centre — which Mr Corcoran advised people access through their GP or local hospital — they do provide counselling as a means of additional support.

He said it was important for people who engage in chemsex to protect themselves emotionally as well as in a physical sense.

“There are lots of reasons why people engage in chemsex,” he told the Irish Examiner. 

“It could be that they are seeking out connection or looking to overcome feelings of isolation.

"They may also be trying to find ways to feel more sexually free or overcome fear. 

Whatever their reason is, it’s really important that we don’t stigmatise people to the point that they feel that they can't come forward for help

"Our message for anyone struggling with chemsex would be to reach out to support services and realise that they are not alone. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, and there is counselling available to anyone who might need it.” 

Mr Corcoran acknowledged the importance of counselling for anyone in need of support.

“People who are under the effects of drugs or alcohol might engage in in behaviours that might be out of character for them. 

"Sometimes people can express regret about the level of risk involved. They may also be unsure of exactly what happened within a particular situation.

"There are some regrets that people sometimes associate with chemsex and that — absolutely — can be difficult.” 

He advised people to take as many precautions as possible during any type of risky sexual behaviour.

When it comes to chemsex, it's important that people realise that different drugs have different effects 

"They need to learn about what they are taking in in an attempt to reduce harm. With illegal substances, people can never really know what they’re taking. 

"It’s important that people begin with a low dose to avoid overdosing. The mixing of substances should also be avoided," he added.

He said that while PrEP might be appropriate for some people to protect against HIV "regular testing is also very important”. 

The HSE is adopting ongoing measures to ensure people avail of regular testing for sexually transmitted infections, if needed.

It comes as a monthly average of 10,000 free home test kits for sexually transmitted infections were being ordered by Irish households, according to reports highlighted in January of this year.

Public Health Minister Hildegarde Naughton said the HSE received more than 100,000 orders between January 2023 and the end of November, while 91,000 kits were ordered in 2022. 

A total of €4.27m was allocated for the initiative, which allows people over the age of 17 with the opportunity to test at home and in a discreet environment.

• To find out more about the Sexual Health Centre, visit www.sexualhealthcentre.com