Chemsex in Moscow: investigation of the phenomenon in a cohort of men who have sex with men hospitalized due to addictive disorders

Chemsex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Systematic Scoping Review of Research Methods

Chemsex refers to the use of psychoactive substances with sex. We carried out a systematic scoping review of methodological characteristics of chemsex research among men who have sex with men (MSM), published between 2010 and 2020. For inclusion, chemsex had to be the main focus, and studies had to specify GHB/GBL, stimulant (amphetamine, crystal meth, ecstasy/MDMA, cathinones, cocaine) and/or ketamine use with sex as a variable. From 7055 titles/abstracts, 108 studies were included, mostly cross-sectional, and from Western countries. About one-third of studies recruited exclusively from clinical settings. A majority of these recruited from sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics. The included quantitative studies analyzed possible associations between chemsex and STI health (40%), mental health (15%), drug health (12%), sexological health (10%), and post-diagnostic HIV health (7%). Most studies included GHB/GBL and crystal meth in their operationalization of chemsex. Definitions and operationalizations of chemsex vary greatly in the literature, and researchers of chemsex among MSM should consider ways in which this variation impacts the validity of their results. More studies are needed among MSM in non-high income and non-Western countries, and examination of possible links between chemsex and post-diagnostic HIV health, sexological health, and mental health.

Chemsex among men who have sex with men during the Mpox health crisis in Brazil: A nationwide web survey

OBJECTIVE

To understand the factors associated with the practice of chemsex among MSM in Brazil, especially during the Mpox health crisis, and to design effective prevention and intervention strategies specifically for this population.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional and analytical study using an electronic survey, conducted from September to December 2022, during the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Brazil.

SAMPLE

A total of 1452 MSM aged 18 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Data were collected via the REDCap platform through a survey with 46 questions. These addressed demographic data, sexual affiliations, practices, experiences with Mpox, healthcare service usage, and stigma or fear related to Mpox.

RESULTS

The prevalence of chemsex was 19.42% (n = 282). Multivariate Poisson modeling indicated a high incidence of chemsex among those diagnosed with Mpox and those involved in high-risk behaviors. The practice of chemsex was six times higher among those diagnosed with Mpox (95% CI: 4.73-9.10). MSM who engage in bugchasing had a prevalence twice that of the main outcome (95% CI: 1.31-3.16).

CONCLUSION

There is a significant need for targeted interventions for MSM in Brazil, especially given the Mpox outbreak. This study highlights the strong relationships between chemsex, experiences with Mpox, and various sexual behaviors, underscoring the importance of effective public health initiatives.

The Experience of Chemsex and Accessing Medical Care for Gay, Bisexual and Other MSM in Russia: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

The use of illicit drugs during sex (Chemsex) in gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) has been a challenge for sexual health services globally. In Russia, HIV remains a significant public health concern and access to prevention and treatment services is limited. Little is known about the nature of Chemsex and the challenges GBMSM practicing Chemsex in Russia face when accessing medical care. This study explored GBMSM's experience with Chemsex and access to medical care. We conducted three focus groups with GBMSM (n = 19) based in Moscow and Yekaterinburg in December 2020. The focus groups explored their experience with Chemsex and accessing medical care. We used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to analyze the data. GBMSM engaged in Chemsex through social networks and cited pleasure as one of their main reasons for engaging. The men described their addiction and perceiving many dangers at Chemsex group sessions. They reported using several self-care mechanisms to recover after a group session. Many reported feeling stigmatization from other members of the GBMSM community. Perceived barriers to medical care included legal barriers and stigmatization from medical professionals. To better support GBMSM, they felt there was a need for better access to sexual health and HIV prevention services, and psychological support. Our study highlights the unmet need in services for GBMSM engaging in Chemsex in Russia. It highlights how societal perceptions of homosexuality and drug use act as barriers to effective interventions for both sexual health and drug use.

Substance Use and Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minority Communities Living in Former Soviet Union Countries: A Scoping Review

Objectives

We reviewed literature examining substance use among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in the former Soviet Union (USSR) nations.

Methods

Searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed, SocINDEX, CINAHL, PscyInfo, LGBTQ + Source) to identify peer-reviewed literature.

Results

Across 19 studies, high hazardous substance use prevalence was documented. Substance use was correlated with (a) sexual health and behaviors and (b) mental wellbeing and the use of other substances.

Conclusion

We discuss minority stress implications and challenges presented by the paucity of evidence in the literature examining substance use among SGM women and SGM living in countries unrepresented in reviewed studies.

Risky Sexual Practices, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Motivations, and Mental Health among Heterosexual Women and Men Who Practice Sexualized Drug Use in Spain

Sexualized drug use (SDU) has been poorly studied among heterosexuals. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of and gender differences in types of substances, risky sexual practices, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), motivations, and psychological adjustment among heterosexual women and men who engage in SDU. The study sample consisted of 1181 heterosexuals (795 women) between 18 and 78 years old (mean age = 24.4, SD = 7.4). Approximately 12% of the participants had engaged in SDU. No differences were found in the prevalence of SDU between men and women. Alcohol, cannabis, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) were the substances most frequently used for sexual purposes. Men were significantly more likely to use MDMA, ecstasy, cocaine, and erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, and they tended to have more sexual partners than women. Likewise, SDU was related to have more sexual partners, penetrative sex without a condom, practice a fetish, be diagnosed with syphilis, chlamydia, and others STIs, and present more depression symptoms (but not with more anxiety). In conclusion, SDU was associated with poorer physical and mental health. It is, therefore, necessary to design programs aimed at reducing the incidence of the consequences of SDU on the physical and mental health of both men and women. Moreover, programs that seek to understand why these individuals engage in SDU should be undertaken.

Cybersex addiction in a gay man: a case report

BACKGROUND

Cybersex addiction is a sexual addiction characterized by virtual Internet sexual activity that causes serious negative consequences to one's physical, mental, social, and/or financial well-being. Previous studies have mostly addressed cybersex addiction in heterosexual males.

PURPOSE

To describe a case report of a 26-year-old gay man suffering from a cybersex addiction.

METHODS

We use Griffiths' model of the common components of addictions.

RESULTS

We reveal this case report of cybersex addiction possesses all of six components universal for addictions.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the increasing prevalence of various behavioral addictions (especially, Internet addictions), clinical psychiatrists should be aware of the cybersex addiction phenomenon.

Changes in sexual behavior patterns due to stimulants use: three case reports

The paper describes three case reports of changes in sexual behavior patterns in male patients who use stimulants (amphetamine and mephedrone). Two of them demonstrate that the consumption of stimulants may lead to hypersexuality and excessive masturbation. Case report three shows that mephedrone use results in such typical stimulant-related subjective effects as the intensification of sensory experiences and sexual arousal. It leads to the loss of interest in sex without mephedrone. In light of the popularity of sex under the influence of drugs, clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon, since it is associated with high-risk sexual behavior. The description of clinical cases on the link between sex and drugs expands our knowledge in this area, leading to more effective treatment interventions.