Understanding Chemsex

Chemsex refers to the use of specific drugs — commonly crystal meth, GHB/GBL, and mephedrone — in sexual contexts, most often among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. For many, Chemsex can initially feel like a way to experience confidence, intimacy, connection, or freedom from anxiety and self-doubt.

However, Chemsex often sits within a much wider emotional and social context.

Many gay men grow up navigating:

Guilt and shame around sexuality and desire
Internalised homophobia, shaped by rejection, bullying, or stigma
Loneliness or isolation, even within social or sexual networks
Difficulties with intimacy and healy relationships, vulnerability, or sober connection   emotionally or sexually

Drugs can temporarily soften these feelings, quiet self-criticism, and make connection feel possible. Over time, however, Chemsex can deepen feelings of emptiness, shame, and disconnection, making it harder to feel close to others — or to oneself — without substances.

Risks and Impact of Chemsex

Chemsex can carry significant risks, both emotionally and physically. These may include:

Dependency and addiction
Increased anxiety, low mood, paranoia, or psychosis
Sexual health risks, including HIV and other STIs
Loss of boundaries, difficulties with consent, and emotional harm
Impact on self-worth, relationships, work, and daily life

Many people struggling with Chemsex feel isolated or afraid to speak openly due to shame or fear of being judged. You are not alone in this, and support is available.

Advocacy and Support for the Gay Community

I am deeply committed to supporting and advocating for the gay community and those affected by Chemsex. My work is LGBTQ+ affirmative, trauma-informed, and grounded in an understanding of the wider cultural and societal pressures that impact gay men’s mental health.

In therapy, we may explore:

Reducing shame and self-blame
Understanding patterns around sex, substances, and relationships
Developing safer, more fulfilling ways of connecting
Strengthening self-acceptance and emotional resilience
Rebuilding trust — with yourself and with others

I believe healing happens through compassion, understanding, and meaningful connection, not through judgment or labels.

Professional Experience

Alongside my private practice, I bring extensive experience from both community services and residential rehabilitation settings.

I have worked at CGL Reading (Change Grow Live), supporting individuals affected by drug and alcohol use through:

One-to-one therapeutic sessions
Group facilitation
Harm reduction and psychoeducation

I’m currently working within a local Residential Rehabilitation setting, where I support clients through:

Individual therapy
Therapeutic group work and workshops
Structured recovery programmes

This experience allows me to work confidently with people at different stages of change, from active addiction to recovery and beyond.

How I Work

My approach is collaborative, gentle, and paced around you.

Therapy is a space where all parts of you are welcome, including the parts that feel messy, conflicted, or hard to talk about.

You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We can make sense of things together.

If you are struggling with Addiction, Chemsex, or feelings of shame and isolation, you don’t have to face it alone.