Health needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in chemsex in London

Historically, drugs and alcohol have been often linked to hidden sexual activities, such as the heroin epidemic in the 1980s, there is an increase in another drug uses leading to Chemsex. Chemsex is described as a sexual activity while under the influence of drugs (s), such as methamphetamine (crystal meth), mephedrone, and GHB/ GB. Even though the drugs used are illegal, Know the Score (2016) states suppliers of mephedrone within large cities such as London are using bath salts plant food to ensure they are undetectable but could potentially result in lasting damage to internal organs. Terrence Higgins Trust (2015a) states that GBL /GHB are readily available in industrial solvents and paint stripping chemicals, which create a sedative that poses a risk concerning a potential loss of consciousness. Chemsex has become a significant concern with MSM (MSM), especially with the new role of technology enabling people to arrange Chemsex parties easily and engage in high-risk sexual activities. Glyde (2015) supports this view, stating that Grindr and Scruff are a few secure, accessible smartphone apps. More significantly, McCall et al. (2015) suggest Chemsex needs to become one of Public Health's priorities due to the nature of the health implications of unprotected sex, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.