Experts have warned of the alarming scale of deaths linked to ‘chemsex’ — a dangerous practice involving using combinations of illegal drugs to enhance sex.
According to figures seen by MailOnline, chemsex — particularly popular among gay men but also by some heterosexuals — is believed to be responsible for three deaths every month in London alone.
But, those close to the community affected say the true death toll is likely to be far higher, given there is no data tracking exactly how many fatalities are linked to chemsex-related harms.
The real figure is believed to stand closer to 1,000 deaths in just a decade.
And it’s not just an issue in London.
Data released by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service suggests over 600 people with convictions nationwide have also been linked chemsex-related incidents in recent years.
Experts say that using drugs during sex can make it riskier because people are more likely to act impulsively or they could exacerbate existing health issues such as heart conditions.
Three illegal drugs have become known to health workers as the ‘unholy trinity’ of chemsex, as they are frequently used together.
One — mephedrone, also known as M-CAT or meow meow, is usually sold as a powder alternative to drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy or meth and tends to be cheaper.
This makes it a popular choice for chemsex and it also makes people feel loved, according to Professor Ian Hamilton, an addiction lecturer at York University.
Another, crystal meth or methamphetamine, is part of the amphetamine family and is known for reducing inhibition.
However, in cases of overdose — users are at higher risks of strokes, lung, kidney and gastrointestinal damage and even comas.
GHB (gammahydroxybutrate) or GBL (gammabutyrolactone), meanwhile, are usually sold as clear liquids and added to drinks.
They have a sedative effect which can last up to seven hours, but risks include unconsciousness and comas.
‘There are likely to be significantly more deaths [than reported] as a result of using drugs like these to enhance the sexual experience,’ Professor Hamilton said.
‘The problem is that this data is not published even though it would be relatively easy to collect figures from existing sources such as the Office of National Statistics (ONS) which records drug poisonings.
‘Drugs like GHB, methamphetamine and mephedrone carry significant risks to health on their own, this risk is amplified when the drugs are combined.
‘For example judgement becomes impaired which can increase risk taking such as not using condoms.
‘This increases the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or having multiple partners while under the influence of these substances, something the individual would not usually do if they were not intoxicated.’
He added: ‘However there are also far more serious risks such as blackouts or psychosis.
‘More serious is the chance of overdosing when combining these drugs, some of which will tragically be fatal.
‘It is common for mephedrone to be used in combination with alcohol, as mephedrone is a stimulant and alcohol a depressant, mixing both makes it very difficult to accurately judge the effect that each substance is having.
‘Also combining these drugs often means people think they can take higher doses and or use both for longer as the depressant effect of alcohol is countered by the stimulating effect of mephedrone.’
Recent analysis of ONS figures by Gay Times, suggests up to 1,000 people have died of possible chemsex-related harms in the past decade.
The grim total includes more than 900 people who have died from mephedrone overdoses, 100 from amphetamine and more than 200 from GHB/GBL.
The publication suggests this is a ‘conservative estimate’, given not everyone would ‘have been taking these drugs in a chemsex context’ still stands at around 500.
Equally, in cases where multiple drugs were present in drug related deaths, the specific substances are not named in coroner’s reports.
Instead, the cause of death is listed as ‘multiple drug toxicity’ or ‘drug overdose’, meaning the true toll could be far higher.
Experts say this lack of reliable data is likely one reason why preventative resources and support for those who participate in chemsex is still scarce.
According to the British Psychological Society, up to 29 per cent of men who have sex with men have partaken in chemsex.
Matthew Fuller, a care coordinator and specialist advisor at the charity Controlling Chemsex — which offers online support services for people struggling with their drug use and sex addiction — labelled the practice a ‘significant public health issue’.
Speaking to Yahoo Life in December, he said the practice is happening all over the UK and to people of all socio-economic backgrounds and ages.
This includes young, newly ‘out’ gay men, husbands, retired men and men who aren’t openly gay.
The organisation believes the Covid pandemic and lockdown measures — ‘isolation, mental health struggles and the pressure to engage in risky sexual practices’ — may have contributed to a ‘perfect storm’ of men participating in chemsex.
As with many drugs, chemsex can also pose the risk of addiction.
The potent mix of drug addiction with chemsex makes the damage it causes to the person and those around them – and the reasons why they become addicted in the first place – both complex and wide-ranging.
‘This loop of dependency on both substances and the sexual highs they facilitate, make it extremely difficult to break free,’ Mr Fuller said.
‘The dangers lie not only in the immediate physical health risks, but also in the long-term impact on someone’s mental health, personal relationships and self-esteem.’
One 2019 global review analysing chemsex addiction — covering the period 2010-2018 — also found that since 2010, there has been nearly a 30 per cent rise.
Another, more recent study covering 2016 to 2024, also found a 50 per cent increase in individuals seeking help for chemsex addiction.
But treating those with a chemsex addiction is challenging, Mr Fuller said.
‘Treatment involves harm reduction strategies, psycho-education and counselling to address both drug use and underlying issues like trauma or mental health conditions.
‘We help clients regain control of their lives and plan their next steps.’
According to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), which serves London, chemsex-related offences have increased from 19 in 2018 to 363 in 2023.
Over 30 forces outside of London have also sought support from the MPS specialist response to chemsex, with the National Crime Agency Major Crime Investigative Support unit often providing introductions, the College of Policing say.
Earlier this month, chemsex hit the headlines after one woman told how a middle-class couple she babysat for lured her into going to a wild chemsex party that led her down a dangerous path — ultimately changed her life forever.
Katy Bampton — who grew up in North Wales before moving to Australia — said she went to multiple, large-scale sex parties before she noticed they were taking a toll on her.
And, that the lack of inhibition people felt at these drug-fuelled romps ‘was fake, it wasn’t real’.
