Chemsex must not be overlooked in Europe’s HIV prevention strategy

Chemsex has emerged as a public health concern in Europe, due to its association with increased HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1 Chemsex typically refers to the use of drugs such as crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)/gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) to facilitate or enhance sex. Chemsex is often associated with gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM), though chemsex also occurs among other LGBTQ + groups and is increasingly reported among heterosexual cis women and men.