ID: HR19-1114

Presenting author: Leon Knoops

Presenting author biography:

Leon Knoops is part of the national team at Mainline, where he works as an outreach worker, researcher and trainer since 2006. Leon also leads the chemsex-team and coaches men who want to quit with drug use during the sex.

Problematic chemsex; from signals to harm reduction interventions

Leon Knoops, Sjef Pelsser

Issue:
Chemsex is a globally growing phenomenon among men who have sex with men (MSM). Since chemsex often takes place in a private setting, it is particularly difficult to reach men who might be engaged in high-risk behaviours such as the injection of potent drugs like crystal-meth (slamming) and binge and poly drug use. Because of stigma and shame, men only seek help when they’ve long lost self-control. This presentation addresses problematic chemsex and provides an overview of harm reduction interventions that are being piloted in the Netherlands.

Setting:
The results of the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) are expected early 2019. A sneak preview shows that the Netherlands scores high in the occurance of chemsex. These research results confirm the trends that Mainline has been tracking since 2015 . The Mainline chemsex team speaks with dozens of men each week who suffer from a wide range of physical, mental and sexual complaints. Experts find that underlying issues relating to discrimination, internalized homophobia or HIV status play a crucial role for those men who lose control over their drug use.

Project:
Mainline has developed various harm reduction interventions for both men who engage in chemsex and professionals who work with them. The team initiated support groups and launched a website . A chat-programme is currently being piloted. Moreover, the team has worked hard to raise awareness of chemsex.

Outcome:
This presentation includes a quick overview of recent data on chemsex in the European context and in particular in the Netherlands. It addresses high-risk behaviour and the distinction between recreational and problematic chemsex. An overview is provided of successful interventions, service gaps and options for improving the support and care for men in the chemsex scene.