The substances identified by prevention associations are numerous, ranging from cocaine to synthetic drugs, such as 3-MMC.
Projected in the public debate following the accident caused by the actor Pierre Palmade on Friday February 10, chemsex, a contraction of English terms chemicals (chemicals) and sexis a practice that aims to have sexual intercourse under the influence of psychoactive substances, in order to multiply the pleasure but also to disinhibit oneself.
While Pierre Palmade drove under the influence of cocaine, the substances used by chemsex practitioners are varied, ranging from synthetic drugs to sexual stimulants. Risk prevention associations have been trying for several years to draw up an exhaustive list of these products, in order to better inform users in order to limit the risks when taking them, but also to warn them of the dangers to which they are exposed.
• Synthetic cathinones
Synthetic cathinones are chemical derivatives of the khat plant, known for its stimulating and euphoric effects. A scientific article appeared in the magazine PSN points the finger at these drugs which “do not exist in the natural state, and are developed from numerous chemical reactions”.
Among the most common synthetic cathinones among chemsex practitioners, we find 3-MMC, 4-MMC or 4-MEC. The Addiction Prevention Network (RESPADD) indicates in a brochure that “the effects sought are euphoria, disinhibition, empathy, increased sensuality, sexual performance”. Cathinones combine the effects of both cocaine and amphetamines: stimulants and euphoriants.
They can be taken nasally or ingested, but also intravenously. This latter practice exposes users to abscesses. “Repeated injections lead to abscesses and wounds, bacterial risks, and deterioration of the veins which promotes the appearance of necrosis”, writes on its Drug Info Service site.
More generally, consumers of synthetic cathinones expose themselves to serious health risks. Drugs Info Service mentions states of great agitation, possible severe psychoses, severe dehydration or muscular risks. Cathinones can also be highly addictive, and are known to cause a craving, that is to say an uncontrollable desire to consume once more.
• With GHB
Derived from the gamma-hydroxybutyrate molecule, GHB is a drug initially developed in the medical field to serve as an anesthetic and analgesic. It comes in the form of a white powder but can also be drunk. GBL, a chemical that turns into GHB when ingested, is also used in chemsex.
The effects sought by users aim to enter a state of significant physical relaxation, euphoric. On BFMTV in October 2021, when GHB was suspected of having circulated in many parties in France, the addictologist William Lowenstein had referred to consumers as “passive zombies”, unable to oppose “orders which may be given”.
“The main risk with GHB / GBL / BD is overdose because the margin between the quantities necessary to obtain the desired effects and those causing adverse effects is very small”, warns the RESPADD.
Drugs Info Service states that “dependency” on GHB “is not scientifically established and remains debated”. Nevertheless, the effects it provides may encourage users to renew their doses.
• Amphetamines and methamphetamines
These products are all attached to the family of phenylethylamines. However, methamphetamines, also called “crystal meth”, are 2 to 5 times more potent than amphetamines, from which ecstasy is derived. These products can be snorted, inhaled for “crystal meth”, or injected.
For these substances, the desired effects are euphoria and excitement, but also increased empathy. Methamphetamines, which are more potent than amphetamines, increase self-confidence, increase concentration and reduce fatigue.
The side effects are numerous and significant. Insomnia, muscle contractions, anxiety, but also a feeling of “descent” following taking. This period “is manifested by a great dejection: sad or even depressed mood, with a feeling of empty head, physical and psychological incapacity”, details Drug Info Service.
• Ketamine
Initially developed as an anesthetic, especially for horses, ketamine is most often snorted by users in powder form. The consumption of ketamine first produces a soothing effect, and can lead to sensory and hallucinatory disorders. Consumers may also feel a sense of floating.
The main risk to which users are exposed is the K-hole, which “is characterized by mood and behavioral disturbances, loss of identity and contact with reality, frightening, nightmarish visions which can lead to a state of panic”, explains Drug Info Service.
Dependence on ketamine is rare, but taking it regularly is dangerous, because the quantities needed to obtain the desired effect have to be increased with each dose.
• Cocaine
Very widespread in all sections of society, cocaine is also present in the world of chemsex. Coming from the leaves of the coca bush, it is like ketamine, which is mainly snorted. It gives the consumer a feeling of omnipotence and indifference to fatigue.
Cocaine users also experience a descent phase following taking, which results in a depressive state.
“Addiction results in an irresistible impulse to consume once more. This state is favored by the short duration of the effects of cocaine and the depressive state that follows the intake”, warns Drug Info Service.
• Sexual stimulants
Finally, people practicing chemsex can use sexual stimulants, such as viagra, to maintain an erection that drugs can alter.
For help, it is possible to contact the “chemsex emergencies” call number from Aides on 01 77 93 97 77 (non-surcharged number) or Drugs info service on 0 800 23 13 13 (anonymous and free service and call, 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.).