From chemsex to sober sex: what are we missing?

Research into chemsex engagement (i.e., the use of psychoactive substances during sexual activity) in men who have sex with men (MSM) has significantly increased in recent years. Research continually demonstrated that the use of psychoactive substances facilitates the desired sexual disinhibition, increased sexual stamina, increased sexual self-efficacy, and increased feelings of closeness, connection, and intimacy with sexual partners that draws individuals into engaging in chemsex.

Although many individuals engage in safe and enjoyable chemsex without issue, the majority of existing current research has investigated the various physiological and psychosocial outcomes associated with problematic chemsex, including higher acquisition rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), overdoses, sexual assault, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and addiction, as well as functional impacts on employment and social connection. Despite this, few studies have explored one of the key elements associated with chemsex behaviour: sex. Therefore, we currently know very little about the impacts of chemsex on general sex life, sexual behaviour, and importantly re-engagement in sober sex.

Although it might be expected engagement in sober sex would naturally improve after problematic chemsex behaviours ends, this is often not the case, with individuals who disengage from chemsex often reporting difficulties re-engaging in sex without the use of substances. For example, chemsex engagers report sober sex, or even sober intimacy, can feel impossible as a result of prior engagement in chemsex.

What factors support, and what factors hinder, re-engagement in sober sex remain unclear, and therefore, how to support MSM in therapy on their journey from chemsex to sober sex also remains unclear. Understanding what helps this journey will inform the development of specific and targeted approaches to support those seeking to decrease, or end, their engagement in chemsex activities but who still desire sexual activity in their lives. 

Based on this, Q Psychology and Deakin university are collaborating to undertake a new research project: Journeys from chemsex to sober sex for men who have sex with men. In this project, we aim to interview MSM to learn directly from them what helped and what hindered this journey for them. We hope the results from this project help support the development of treatment strategies for other men seeking to re-engage in sober sex. To read more, or participate in this study, please visit our research page: https://www.qpsychology.com.au/services/our-research

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