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Chemsex: review of the current literature and treatment guidelines

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Abstract

Purposeof the review

Chemsex mainly concerned men who have sex with men, but seems to spread in general population. Clinical characteristics and expected effects are diverse. This paper aims at reviewing existing literature on chemsex and providing treatment guidelines.

Recent findings

The use of substances for improving or extending sexual intercourses is commonly referred to as chemsex. Substances used are mainly methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, cocaine and cathinones. Prevalence is estimed between 3 and 42% of MSM. Risk factors are mainly living in a metropolis, using dating apps and practicing "hard-sex". Chemsex practice is not necessarily pathological and only the loss of control, the association with addictive, psychiatric and/or infectious comorbidities should require care.

Summary

Management of problematic chemsex should be multidisciplinary and must take into account psychiatric, addictive and infectious comorbidities. Information and education are crucial in order to reduce risks and potential harm associated to chemsex.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University Hospital Cochin AP-HP (Site Tarnier), Paris, France

    L. Malandain & F. Thibaut

  2. Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, INSERM U1266, University Paris Cité, Paris, France

    F. Thibaut

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  1. L. Malandain
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Malandain, L., Thibaut, F. Chemsex: review of the current literature and treatment guidelines. Curr Addict Rep 10, 563–571 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-023-00488-1

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