Chemsex: A silent crisis
Gay men are dying yet few are taking notice of how drugs are impacting our community.
An ITV News investigation has revealed the devastating impact of chemsex-related drugs on the LGBTQ community - highlighting an alarming lack of action in addressing what experts have described as a 'silent' crisis.
"After the high: Chemsex, beyond the myths" is an investigation led by reporter Sam Leader, looking at the harm caused by drugs such as GHB/GBL and crystal meth - drugs that are used by gay men to enhance sexual encounters.
In his investigation, Leader found that despite mounting evidence of fatalities, hospitalisations and violent crimes, recommendations made to the government remain largely ignored, leaving many at risk.
As the chemsex phenomenon has evolved over the years, drug and alcohol specialists point to an increasing normalisation of the drugs associated with chemsex - leading to wider recreational use that exposes more people to the risks involved.
Key points from the ITV investigation:
- In 2023, police figures show that chemsex claimed 3 lives a month in the capital. The Metropolitan police told ITV News they fear official figures for 2024 will be "the highest on record".
- Almost a third of all drug-related hospital presentations at one of the UK's busiest hospitals involved 'chems'.
- The London Ambulance Service suspects at least one emergency call per day is linked to chemsex drugs.
- Healthcare professionals and non-profits warn that the true scale of the problem could be far worse and with no dedicated NHS coding system for these substances, the issue cannot be tracked or funded adequately. Experts stress the need for urgent action to improve education, prevention, and intervention strategies.
"After the high: Chemsex, beyond the myths" is available to view on ITVX from today and further coverage can be found across ITV News' bulletins and digital platforms.
The NSFW edition
If you want to admire some man-on-man action, our NSFW edition gives you every inch.
Sign in and check out our NSFW content - it's free!
Gaydar
