Chemsex experiences: narratives of pleasure

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of pleasure related to chemsex from the perspective of French gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Recognising that participants in chemsex are social actors, the authors diverge from the prominent “pathology paradigm” used in public health. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with gay men and other MSM engaging in chemsex via snowball sampling (n=33). The authors explored the definitions of pleasure and the role of stimulants, sexual activity, smartphones and partners in chemsex pleasures. Findings Chemsex pleasures encompass multiple dimensions that go far beyond bodily pleasures, such as love or romantic relationships, socializing with significant others and sexual discovery through disinhibition. Narratives of pleasure were also, simultaneously, stories of suffering and distress. This dissonance can pose challenges to the participants in chemsex, their entourages and care providers. Practical implications Given that the focus of care for gay men and other MSM is on risk behaviors, the findings of this paper help nurture discussions where pleasure is integrated into a new, value-neutral framework of care that incorporates chemsex pleasures. Originality/value This study examined the perspectives of those actually participating in chemsex, allowing gay men and other MSM to relate the entirety of their experiences, in which pleasure is often at the forefront, without restriction.

Harm Reduction Practices and Needs in a Belgian Chemsex Context: Findings from a Qualitative Study

“…These different user profiles support previous findings that engaging in chemsex does not necessarily lead to the development of extensive harms for every user [49,50]. Some users feel in control of their use, are generally satisfied with their participations, and experience (relatively) few negative effects, i.e., "planned users" [15,41,51].…”

“…While the use of drugs may start from a hedonistic perspective [15] and allow GBMSM to engage in the kinds of sex they desire [16], a number of studies have associated chemsex with a variety of sexand drug-specific health harms. Drug related health harms are wide ranging, including: drug overdose, psychosis, dehydration, hyperthermia, drug-induced violence and injuries, drug dependence, etc.…”

“…A qualitative study in Singapore [14] and an online survey in Great Manchester [39] also showed this need for a safe space and non-judgmental attitude. Especially because underlying factors such as shame, stigma, and the punitive nature of local drug laws act as a barrier to seeking professional help, or adhering to certain harm reduction strategies [14,15]. A previous qualitative study (in-depth interviews with 30 GBMSM) examining social norms relating to chemsex also suggested the existence of within-group stigmatization.…”

Making and Communicating Decisions About Sexual Consent During Drug-Involved Sex: A Thematic Synthesis

“…Contemporary Chemsex narratives typically depict gay and bisexual men in this way (i.e., as risk-taking and "deviant"; Hickson, 2018). Stories of sexual pleasure have not been visible for this group of men at a wider societal level (although recent research has made an effort to discuss experiences of pleasure e.g., Milhet, Shah, Madesclaire, & Gaissad, 2019). Similarly, heterosexual women's sexual desire is not at the forefront of public discourse surrounding women's sexuality.…”

“Slam Sex” - Sexualized Injecting Drug Use (“SIDU”) Amongst Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)—A Scoping Review

“…Several studies report that "SIDU" facilitates, enhances, and/or prolongs sexual experiences (Amaro, 2016;Deimel et al, 2016;Hunt, 2012;Weatherburn, Hickson, Reid, Torres-Rueda, & Bourne, 2017). Sexual liberation and selfmedication for low sex drives can be a motivating factor for "SIDU" (Deimel et al, 2016;Milhet, Shah, Madesclaire, & Gaissad, 2019;Souleymanov, 2018;Weatherburn et al, 2017). Amaro (2016) reports that many MSM initiate "SIDU" after the breakdown of previous relationships.…”