Chemsex and sexuality: Characterizing vulnerability factors, patients’ needs and sexological approaches during a hospital intervention

Chemsex is an expanding form of sexualized drug use among GBMSM, posing risks to physical and mental health. This article first explores the vulnerability factors of GBMSM and possible sexological approaches. It then gives an account of harm reduction consultations for GBMSM practicing chemsex, offered in a Parisian infectious disease unit. The focus is on describing patient behaviors. A survey was conducted among patients attending the harm reduction consultations. Ninety-six GBMSM completed an online questionnaire. Most reported fairly frequent chemsex practices, and negative impacts of chemsex on their social, professional, personal, or sexual life. The majority were satisfied with the intervention, finding it effective at reducing risk. Such multidisciplinary preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions in sexology, psychology, and psychiatry, within units already frequented by GBMSM, are effective and greatly needed.