Investigação Como apoiar
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Chemsex: a new integrated support service at GAT

03 Julho 2025

GAT has launched a new Integrated Chemsex Support Service, with the aim of offering a close, tailored, and specialized response to all people who practice chemsex. The service is confidential, free, and community-based, which means that it provides local care that develops interventions focused on the specific needs of the populations it serves, with the active participation of those same communities in the design, planning, and implementation of services. One such reality is chemsex practices.

Recognizing that people's needs vary and change over time, GAT brings together professionals with lived experience who offer integrated and tailored responses to the multiple dimensions of chemsex, based on the latest knowledge in risk reduction and harm minimization (RRHM), as well as health professionals involved in the community response to people who practice chemsex in Portugal.

The chemsex phenomenon

Chemsex is the intentional combination of drug use with the aim of prolonging and intensifying sexual experiences. It is a phenomenon that is particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), although it can also occur in other contexts and among people of other genders and intersectional experiences.

The substances most frequently associated with chemsex include, among others, synthetic cathinones:

  • GHB
  • Tina
  • Bloom
  • Three
  • Alpha
  • Poppers
  • Erection medications

These practices usually take place in private settings, with partners often found through online apps.

What does this service offer?

The new Integrated Chemsex Support Service is free, confidential, with or without an appointment, and available in Lisbon to all people who practice chemsex, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or current or past substance use.

These services were designed from the perspective of peers who use drugs and have current knowledge of risk reduction and harm minimization (RRMD), providing individual listening and support, information on substances and practices, and distribution of safer consumption materials.

Counseling by a technical peer harm reduction specialist

In person or online

Peer support is an approach in which people with similar life experiences (e.g., drug use) support others in similar situations. The advantages include greater empathy, trust, reduced stigma, and encouragement to access health services and social support, as peers better understand the challenges experienced.

Harm reduction is a public health approach that seeks to minimize the negative effects of drug use without necessarily requiring abstinence. It focuses on practical and realistic strategies, prioritizing people's dignity and rights.

On Wednesdays, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., we offer this service on a walk-in basis at GAT IN Mouraria, with no appointment necessary.

Appointments

GAT IN Mouraria

Nursing and/or medical consultation

The nursing consultation offers care for wounds related to substance use, consumption, or sexual practices, in addition to promoting preventive strategies. Medical consultations are used for clinical evaluation, counseling to reduce risks associated with substance use, diagnosis, prescription of appropriate medication, and guidance for sexually transmitted infection screening.

Appointments

GAT IN Mouraria

Mental health consultation (psychiatry)

Consultation for psychiatric assessment, establishing a plan for the issues identified, which may include medication and/or referral for interventions outside GAT.

Appointments

GAT Intendente

GAT Checkpoint LX