Chemsex among men who have sex with men in Germany: motives, consequences and the response of the support system
Niels Graf A D , Anna Dichtl A , Daniel Deimel B , Dirk Sander C and Heino Stöver AA Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Addiction Research, Nibelungenplatz 1, 60318 Frankfurt, Germany.
B Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein Westfalen, German Institute for Drug and Prevention Research (DISuP), Wörthstraße 10, 50668 Köln, Germany.
C Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe e. V., Wilhelmstraße 138, 10963 Berlin, Germany.
D Corresponding author. Email: niels.graf@fb4.fra-uas.de
Sexual Health 15(2) 151-156 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH17142
Submitted: 15 August 2017 Accepted: 15 January 2018 Published: 27 March 2018
Journal compilation © CSIRO 2018 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Background: In Germany, drug use in sexual settings (i.e. chemsex) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increasingly been the subject of discussion for considerable time. At the same time, however, little is known about this practice. It is against this background that what is currently known about chemsex among MSM in Germany is discussed. Methods: The present study observations are essentially based on the results of two research projects of a qualitative–explorative nature. In-depth interviews with drug-using MSM (n = 14), as well as qualitative, problem-centred interviews with drug-using MSM (n = 75) and expert interviews (n = 27) were conducted within these research projects. Results: Chemsex is a minority behaviour among MSM in Germany. The reasons for using drugs in sexual settings are manifold. For the most part, the effects of the drugs are used to intensify sexual feelings and to achieve greater intimacy. Men who consider their consumption to be problematic, in particular, report a range of negative consequences, such as sexually transmissible infections. Even though chemsex is a minority behaviour, suitable offers of support are, hence, necessary, especially for these men. However, such offers are not yet available in most German cities. Conclusions: In order to close this gap in provision of support services, tangible practical steps, such as further training of people who work at drug and gay advisory services, are necessary, along with further research into the backgrounds and contexts of chemsex.
Additional keywords: drug use, sexual practices, risk reduction.
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