Across the world, the chemsex scene, which involves sexual activity in which participants consciously use psychoactive substances to enhance the experience, has grown in popularity among LGBT groups. The same is true for Hungary’s capital of Budapest. In fact, the issue is now getting attention from the left-wing government ruling Budapest, which awarded grants for “community-based intervention psychosocial support” for chemsex users.
The money is going to Háttér Társaság, a foundation supporting LGBTQ people, which was given 3,383,600 Hungarian forints (€8,200) for harm reduction, according to the Drug Research Institute (Dki)
Chemsex parties usually involve large groups of men partaking in orgies and consuming various illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, which causes intense euphoria and increased sexual desire; or GHB/GBL, which helps to reduce inhibitions with its relaxing effect, and the stimulant mephedrone, which makes its user more socially open.
Chemsex has spread mostly in certain groups of the LGBTQ community, especially in sexual relationships between men, but it is not limited to these groups.
The Dki pointed out: Drogriporter held a conference where it was discussed that the program would aim at ensuring sober participants in chemsex parties would be implemented in the draft of the Háttér Társaság’s preventive program.
However, this motion contradicts the basic principles of the Hungarian national drug strategy, since all forms of drug consumption are against the law in Hungary.
“Ensuring supervision at chemsex parties does not prevent drug use and the negative consequences associated with it, while prevention should be strengthened and participants discouraged from such orgies. The conference cited the criminalization of drug users as one of the main causes of the problems, arguing that it could create stigma. However, this argument ignores the fact that the policy of zero tolerance in relation to drugs is not primarily used for the purpose of punishment, but for the protection of individuals and society,” explained the Dki.
The risk is high and it can affect everyone
The organization drew attention to the fact that chemsex carries serious risks because it is often associated with higher risk-taking tendencies, such as unprotected sex and sharing syringes and needles.
After intense parties that last for several days, serious mental problems can develop, such as depressive episodes, psychosis or other psychological disorders. This can lead to risky behavior, physical and mental injuries and addiction and increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections. The consequences have a negative impact not only on the lives of those who participate in drug-fueled acts, but also on other members of society. Deaths caused by drugs include not only suicides and overdoses, but also road accidents, which pose a serious threat to everyone.
The government’s drug strategy protects young people
It was also said at the conference that chemsex allows HIV-infected respondents to have a “more relaxed sex life,” but at the same time, there is a greater risk of infecting their partners, which entails serious health risks.
Drug use and irresponsible sexual behavior can have serious consequences, giving room for the development of mental and physical diseases, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
The aim of the national anti-drug strategy is to keep the interests of society as a whole in mind, paying particular attention to the protection of communities and the protection of young people. The criminalization of drugs can contribute to curbing drug trafficking and substance abuse, which can reduce the occurrence of chemsex parties. In this way, the risks of overdose, substance abuse and venereal diseases can also be mitigated, explained the Dki.
