Some professionals still lack a proper understanding of chemsex. I have personally experienced this with the police, GPs, doctors, therapists, and members of the general public. There is an urgent need to raise awareness, as the chemsex crisis is worsening. These drugs are now more accessible than ever, and media reports—though I believe they understate the true scale—suggest at least one emergency call per day related to chemsex complications. The substances involved are extremely potent and, when used irresponsibly, can result in serious, sometimes irreversible, consequences.
Organisations such as Controlling Chemsex and the Terrence Higgins Trust provide vital education and training for professionals, helping to close the gap in understanding and care. Controlling Chemsex also supports individuals currently engaged in chemsex, offering harm-reduction advice and tools for safer use. In parallel, peer-led groups like Narcotics Anonymous offer community support for those seeking recovery.
