Chemsex (Party ‘n’ Play, or PnP) is a reality for many within our community. Whether you do it to enhance pleasure, connect with others, or just have a good time, chemsex can come with its own set of risks. While we aren’t here to tell you how to live your life, it’s crucial to know what to do if something goes wrong. This guide is here to help you stay safe, informed, and ready to act if you find yourself responding to an overdose.
When the Party Takes a Turn: Recognising Overdose or Distress
Chemsex can be a high-energy, intense experience, but when things don’t go as planned, recognising signs of trouble early can make all the difference. Overdoses can happen with any substance, and while each drug has its own risks, some common symptoms include:
- Unconsciousness– If someone is unresponsive and you can’t wake them, it’s time to get help.
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing –Check if they’re breathing regularly. Shallow or stopped breathing requires immediate attention.
- Seizures or convulsions – Sudden, uncontrollable shaking or loss of muscle control can indicate an overdose.
- Blue lips or fingernails – A blueish tint on the lips and/or fingernails is a sign the body is not getting enough oxygen.
- Pinpoint pupils – Extremely small pupils can be a sign of opioid overdose.
- Vomiting while unconscious – If someone vomits while they are passed out, they could choke and need to be turned onto their side to keep their airway clear. Do this before calling emergency services.
- Extreme agitation or panic – If someone becomes overly anxious or aggressive, they may be experiencing a bad reaction or overdose, and calming them down while seeking help is essential. Get help immediately if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.
Symptoms can vary depending on what substance has been taken, but the response – seeking help – remains the same. If someone shows any of these signs, call 111 immediately. You won’t get in trouble if you tell them you’ve used drugs – and knowing what you’ve taken can help medical staff give you the right treatment.
Hey Tina, stay safe out there!
Methamphetamine, or Tina, is a regular guest at chemsex sessions, boosting energy, confidence, and sex drive. But while Tina might feel like your best friend, she isn’t always a friendly guest. Overdosing (sometimes called overamping) on meth can happen quickly, or build up over time, so it’s important to know the signs and when to act. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Mood swings, anxiety, or heightened aggression
- Confusion or disorientation
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or seizing
Not everyone experiences meth overdose in the same way, but these core symptoms are big warning signs. Meth overdose can lead to severe outcomes like heart failure, stroke, or coma. Knowing the signs and acting fast can save a life – yours or someone else’s. Stay sharp, look out for each other, and always be ready to call for help.
Are you all good, G?
GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD can make you feel relaxed, horny, and ready to let loose – but they come with serious risks, especially when it comes to dosing. The line between a good time and an overdose is often a matter of millilitres. Taking G without measuring carefully, or confusing GHB with the stronger GBL/longer-lasting 1,4-BD can land you in trouble. Watch out for signs of an overdose:
- Disorientation, confusion, or memory problems
- Unsteady movements, stumbling, or seizing
- Trouble staying awake, slow/irregular breathing, or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
If you or someone else is showing these signs, it is important to stay calm and act fast. If someone becomes unresponsive or has trouble breathing, put them in the stable side (recovery) position and call 111 immediately as this is a medical emergency. Stay with them till the ambulance arrives and let the responders know what they have taken. You won’t get in trouble, and this can save their life.
Tips for a smoother ride
Now you know how to respond and support folks when things have taken a hard turn, but how do we help reduce the risk of getting to that point? Here are a few of our key tips for a smoother party:
- Know what drugs you are taking - Your drugs might be mixed with other drugs, or could be something completely different. Get your drugs checked to find out what’s in them. Different substances have different dosages, so knowing what’s in your stash can help you dose correctly.
- One size doesn’t fit all - What might be a smooth ride for others may be a wild ride for you. Measure your dose carefully and start low and slow – especially if you are new. Wait to feel the effects before having more.
- Be careful about mixing substances - Mixing drugs increases your risk of overdosing. Alcohol and medications like antidepressants can be a dangerous mix with other substances.
- Have a plan and stick to it - If you are partying with others, it’s best if there is someone who stays sober enough to step in to handle emergencies.
- Managing milder symptoms - If you or someone else is starting to feel anxious or unwell, focus on calming yourself/them down and moving to a quieter space. Stay hydrated and avoid taking more drugs or alcohol.
Knowing how to act when things go wrong, planning ahead, and reaching out for support are all part of keeping yourself and those around you safer. Stay informed, be prepared, and remember – help is always available.