2024
Cairn
Luisa Tellier et al., « Chemsexers: life trajectories, care seeking », Psychotropes, ID : 10670/1.0c35d7...
Context: Chemsex refers to the use of psychoactive substances in the sexual context, a practice that mainly concerns men who have sex with men. Objective: To identify the motivations for engaging in chemsex, as well as people's expectations regarding existing support services. Method: Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews, analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Eight participants recruited from a community-based sexual health center. Results: People were introduced to chemsex by their peers in real life or online via dating apps. Motivations tended to relate to sexual performance and the predominance of this practice within the gay community. The demand for care was triggered by the awareness of the somatic and psychic risks involved. The main expectation expressed is that support should be provided by professionals with knowledge of the subject and the gay community.