Evolving Chemsex Landscape in Berlin: Unveiling its Ups and Downs
In the vibrant city of Berlin, individuals like Blake* are navigating the complex world of chemsex, striving to find a balance between the thrill of enhanced sexual experiences and the importance of sober encounters.
Chemsex, the intentional use of certain substances, often stimulants or sedatives, in sexual settings, has become a prevalent practice in Berlin's nightlife. The scene is marked by a diverse range of substances, including mephedrone, MDMA, monkey dust, crystal meth, cocaine, and GBL, a sedative used to heighten arousal and relaxation, which is considered the most precarious drug in the chemsex scene.
As the city's drug landscape has grown increasingly complex over the past decade, so too has the need for education, mutual respect, and harm reduction tools. Professionals and community members in Berlin emphasise the importance of open, stigma-free dialogue about sex, drugs, consent, and harm reduction. Key approaches include clear communication about boundaries and consent, careful dosing, tracking the timing of drug use, and knowledge of the substances involved to mitigate adverse effects.
Medical professionals stress the importance of HIV prevention methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people engaging in chemsex, given the higher risk of HIV transmission associated with sexual activity under the influence of synthetic drugs. Harm reduction techniques used within the Berlin chemsex scene also include using tools like pipettes for precise dosing to avoid overdosing and mixing substances safely to reduce harmful interactions.
Community efforts are focusing on increasing visibility and support through events and festivals that foster queer resistance and presence, providing safer spaces and building awareness around chemsex practices and risks. Organisations such as sidekicks.berlin, SONAR, and Queer Mama are at the forefront of this movement, offering education and resources to those navigating the chemsex scene.
However, the culture around chemsex spans identities, orientations, and social scenes, and it's not uncommon for individuals to feel pressure to participate. Liam, 31, encountered monkey dust, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant, for the first time in Berlin. After experiencing its harsh consequences, Liam now attends an online therapy group on Instagram that focuses on chemsex and provides tools for intentional engagement.
Regular use of most drugs in the chemsex scene can increase the risk of dependency. This underscores the need for individuals to take a step back, pause, reflect, and decide what truly feels right for the long run.
In response to the growing concern, Germany's first chemsex conference, Chemkon, was held in Berlin in March, drawing over 250 professionals. The event aimed to foster open discussions about chemsex, promote harm reduction strategies, and provide resources for those struggling with substance use.
Several counselling centres in Berlin, such as Checkpoint BLN, Drogennotdienst, and Schwulenberatung Berlin, offer services for individuals struggling with substance use. One such service is Checkpoint BLN's Chemsex Check, available for individuals to reflect on their chemsex habits.
Chemsex organiser Christopher Clay emphasises the importance of conversations about chemsex happening in everyday spaces, not just at conferences or clinics. This grassroots approach to education and awareness is a testament to the city's commitment to supporting its residents in navigating the complexities of the chemsex scene.
In conclusion, conscious participation in chemsex in Berlin is framed around education, mutual respect, clear consent, harm reduction tools, and access to medical prevention and care services. As the city continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the chemsex scene, it's clear that open dialogue, community support, and a focus on harm reduction will play crucial roles in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its residents.
*Name changed for privacy.
1) In light of the growing prominence of chemsex in Berlin's nightlife and the potential risks associated with substance use in sexual settings, there's an increasing focus on mental health, fostering a lifestyle that encourages open dialogue, mutual respect, and the application of harm reduction techniques.
2) To maintain overall health-and-wellness, it's essential for individuals engaging in chemsex to prioritize mental-health considerations alongside their sexual experiences, seeking support from therapy groups, education programs, or counselling services when needed.
