Sex without consent is punishable
Ask first
Consent means permission or to accept.
In this campaign you can read stories about when mixing drugs and sex made consent difficult to communicate or understand, but also stories about rape in sexualized drug use.
The aim is to spread information about how you can prevent rape if you choose to mix sex and drugs (including alcohol).
“The first time I tried crystal methamphetamine they said it was MDMA I got showed up my bum”
- Inge (37)
I did not consent
Several people we speak to have experienced taking drugs without their consent.
It could be, for example, that they performed oral sex on someone that had applied a drug to the genitals on which the oral sex was performed, without this being clarified in advance. It is important that the person taking the drug is aware of the risks of taking the drug. Knowing what drug you consume gives you the opportunity to read up on the effects of the drugs and helps to prevent risks.
To make sure you don't step over other people's boundaries, it's important to get consent. An absence of a no is NOT consent.
To make sure you don't step over other people's boundaries, it's important to get consent. An absence of a no is NOT consent.
“I regained consciousness while another was having sex with me. I blacked out and later regained consciousness when I reacted to someone else performing oral sex on me.”
- Jo (27)
I had no control
When you are intoxicated, you can appear present and conscious without being so
On the way into a GHB-related overdose, the person may talk excessively, be loud, and make sexual advances. One can thus appear to be present without being so. This also applies to alcohol.
If you have consumed large amounts of drugs, or mixed drugs, you can become confused and thus have problems understanding a situation and the consequences of your own and others' behaviours. In these cases it is not enough to have received a "yes", because the person in such a state is not competent to consent.
If you mix sex and drugs, it becomes a habit to check in (check-ins) regularly. Ask the other person how they are doing. Don't ask questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no", but ask questions that require the other person to think about their answer. This way you can evaluate the other person's consciousness and consent competency. If the person in question cannot comprehend the situation, and is unable to say either no or yes, do not perform sexual acts with the person in question.
If you have consumed large amounts of drugs, or mixed drugs, you can become confused and thus have problems understanding a situation and the consequences of your own and others' behaviours. In these cases it is not enough to have received a "yes", because the person in such a state is not competent to consent.
If you mix sex and drugs, it becomes a habit to check in (check-ins) regularly. Ask the other person how they are doing. Don't ask questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no", but ask questions that require the other person to think about their answer. This way you can evaluate the other person's consciousness and consent competency. If the person in question cannot comprehend the situation, and is unable to say either no or yes, do not perform sexual acts with the person in question.
“The intoxication caused me to lose consciousness. When I regained it, they made me sniff a drug so that I blacked out again"
- Kim (36)
They gave me blackout
What Kim describes is rape and a criminal act.
Kim describes someone who deliberately deprived them of control over the situation, in order to take advantage of them sexually. Not remembering everything that happened after taking drugs can be frightening and confusing, especially if the participants were having sex at the same time. Not everyone is able to set proper boundaries for themselves, and drugs can weaken this ability. In these situations you can easily be exploited by others.
A good harm prevention tip is to always do drugs with someone you know. Also, never leave a person who has lost consciousness because of a drug lying alone, but make sure that the person has free airways and is not vulnerable to abuse.
A good harm prevention tip is to always do drugs with someone you know. Also, never leave a person who has lost consciousness because of a drug lying alone, but make sure that the person has free airways and is not vulnerable to abuse.
“I stood on a sex club, ready to have sex with bunch ouf guys. Suddenly I became dizzy. The lube was "spiked" with a drug”
- Asgeir (46)
Suddenly I became dizzy
"Spiking" is when someone puts sedative drugs, such as GHB, Ketamine or Valium (or similar), in your drink or lube, without you realizing it.
The intention is to commit a sexual assault. In addition, it can be easy to get confused or behave in a way not typical of yourself if you try out a new drug, which can be exploited by some. Some abusers also speculate that the victim does not report the rape if the victim knowingly and willingly participated in a setting where everyone mixed sex and illegal drugs. The fact that you have agreed to mix drugs and sex does not mean that it is okay to give someone a drug without them being aware of it. If the person has agreed to taking the drug, it is also not OK to increase doses that you assume, or do not know, if the other person will tolerate. Ask first.
“Suddenly he laid there unconscious in a GHB overdose and the others asked me to have sex with him. I told them that is not ok”
- Ole Martin (37)
I refused to rape him
What Ole-Martin describes is an incitement to rape, and it is punishable.
It is not easy to resist peer pressure, as Ole-Martin tells about. A good harm prevention tip is to always do drugs with someone you know, or that you have at least one ally at the same party, so you can look out for each other.
If you see something that makes you unsure about whether what is going on is okay, speak up. Ask the person if they are okay. Ask the others present if what is going on is really okay. A good piece of advice is to always have someone you know with you so that you are not alone in difficult situations.
If you see something that makes you unsure about whether what is going on is okay, speak up. Ask the person if they are okay. Ask the others present if what is going on is really okay. A good piece of advice is to always have someone you know with you so that you are not alone in difficult situations.
“I woke up to the other particpants coming by me and performing oral sex on me”
- Iben (36)
I woke up being raped
Chemfriendly often hears stories from user about how they woke up to others performing sexual acts on them.
We also talk to users who committed a rape because they thought it was okay what they did, since the other person was conscious and did not say no. Many people who find themselves in dangerous situations, such as rape or other sexual assault, react by going into freeze mode. Certain drugs, or large intakes of drugs, can also intensify stress reactions, such as anxiety, and thus contribute to the freezing reaction. This means that even if the user is conscious, they have no opportunity to say whether they consent or not. Remember that the absence of a no is NOT the same as consent.
“When I saw up I realized that the others where filming and live publishing via labtops and mobilephones”
- Hans (27)
They filmed the sex from all angles
Being filmed without consent, while having sex, is an assault and punishable.
In certain settings it is popular to publish live videos of the sex on drugs and of the drug intake. This usually takes place in closed online forums and on closed online platforms, to which outsiders do not immediately have access. This makes it is easy to think that it is not so important to ask everyone participating at the party if they want to be filmed.
But being filmed without consent, while having sex, is an assault and punishable. Chemfriendly talks to people who have experienced being filmed during their sexualized drug use, without them being aware of it. Especially if they mixed different drugs, the drug effect made them less able to have an overview of what was going on. Several people we talk to describe being filmed without consent as just as harmful as those we talk to who have been raped: Not having control over the situation and suddenly not being able to trust other people creates stress reactions.
Ask first.
But being filmed without consent, while having sex, is an assault and punishable. Chemfriendly talks to people who have experienced being filmed during their sexualized drug use, without them being aware of it. Especially if they mixed different drugs, the drug effect made them less able to have an overview of what was going on. Several people we talk to describe being filmed without consent as just as harmful as those we talk to who have been raped: Not having control over the situation and suddenly not being able to trust other people creates stress reactions.
Ask first.
«It is a fundamental sense of safety and trust in other people that has been taken from me”
- Mika (35)
I never feel safe
After being raped, they also have had problems concentrating at work and with regulating their emotions.
“I get angry and sad more quickly now than before. Often my thoughts run away and I assume people have something against me, even if they put other things in what they said than what I imagine".
The reactions after a rape vary from person to person and there are no right or wrong reactions. It is common that afflicted persons does not want to deal with what has happened and tries to forget it. Many may also use drugs to manage the difficult reactions. It often takes some time before one can bear to deal with the feelings, or at all to think or talk to others in more detail about what has happened.
The reactions after a rape vary from person to person and there are no right or wrong reactions. It is common that afflicted persons does not want to deal with what has happened and tries to forget it. Many may also use drugs to manage the difficult reactions. It often takes some time before one can bear to deal with the feelings, or at all to think or talk to others in more detail about what has happened.
Here you can find information on where you can turn to for help if you have been the subject of abuse or you have experienced violating someones boundaries
Where can you find help?
Q & A
Questions & answers
Consent means permission or to accept and means that the person giving their consent has given permission for what is happening. For a consent to be valid, the person concerned must have sufficient information about what they are consenting to.
In order to be sure that you do not step over other people's boundaries, it is important to obtain consent. This means that you know with certainty that all parties involved are taking part in the actions voluntarily. An absence of a no is NOT consent. There are many ways to express consent, both verbally through words and through body language. If you are unsure whether your sexual partner (s) wants sex, you must ask them about this before continuing or initiating the act.
In order to be sure that you do not step over other people's boundaries, it is important to obtain consent. This means that you know with certainty that all parties involved are taking part in the actions voluntarily. An absence of a no is NOT consent. There are many ways to express consent, both verbally through words and through body language. If you are unsure whether your sexual partner (s) wants sex, you must ask them about this before continuing or initiating the act.
Consent competency describes the person's ability to understand what they are consenting to. Taking drugs can, for example, impair the user's judgement. This means that a "yes" is not necessarily a valid consent, if the person is not aware of what they are actually agreeing to. A good tip is to clarify all the details of the sex you plan to have before you start.
No, sex without consent is not sex. The reason for that is that sex means having sexual intercourse with one or more other parties, where all parties are consenting.
Sex without consent is what it is often called informally, but it is more correct to say sexual intercourse without consent. Sexual intercourse means penetration into the anus, vagina or oral cavity with objects, hands or genitals. Having sexual intercourse with someone who does not consent is sexual assault and rape.
Sex without consent is what it is often called informally, but it is more correct to say sexual intercourse without consent. Sexual intercourse means penetration into the anus, vagina or oral cavity with objects, hands or genitals. Having sexual intercourse with someone who does not consent is sexual assault and rape.
In the current penal code, sexual intercourse without consent - that is, where one has not actively said yes, or in other ways signaled that one wants sex - is not regulated as rape under section 291 of rape. The Støre government has decided that they will introduce a so-called consent act that will make "sex without consent" punishable as rape during his term of government after many years of criticism from, among others, the UN. Sex without consent can still be seen as sexual assault according to section 297 sexual act without consent. Sex without consent is punishable.
When we humans end up in dangerous situations, such as rape or other forms of sexual abuse, we usually react automatically, and without thinking. Many people experience that they freeze (or stiffen). Certain drugs, taking large doses, or mixing drugs, all of this can also increase the body's stress reactions. And thus activate the freezing reaction. For some users, this will mean that even if they are conscious, they have no opportunity to say whether they agree or not. Remember that the absence of a no is NOT the same as consent.
A Swedish study concluded that 70% of those who experience rape end up in freeze mode.
A Swedish study concluded that 70% of those who experience rape end up in freeze mode.
Some people believe that only penetration is sex and thus that it is not possible for oral sex to be rape. Oral sex is sex and having oral sex with someone who has not consented is rape. Getting someone else to perform oral sex on you, without their consent, is also rape.
This is a myth. This is not true. Sex without consent is punishable and not something you have to accept, regardless of the reason.
It is a common rape myth that having sex with
someone who is sleeping is not rape. Experience from, among others, the Dixi
resource center against rape is that people exposed to rape and who did not
experience violence, but for example being raped in their sleep, will
experience similar trauma reactions as people who have been exposed to rape
that involves violence. Sex without consent is harmful and punishable.
someone who is sleeping is not rape. Experience from, among others, the Dixi
resource center against rape is that people exposed to rape and who did not
experience violence, but for example being raped in their sleep, will
experience similar trauma reactions as people who have been exposed to rape
that involves violence. Sex without consent is harmful and punishable.
Reactions after a rape vary from person to person and there are no right or wrong reactions. Some react immediately, others only after a while. Some have strong reactions, and some hardly at all. It is common that one does not want to deal with what has happened and tries to forget it. Many may also use drugs to manage the difficult reactions.
It often takes some time before one can bear to deal with the traumatic feelings, or at all to think or to talk in more detail to others about what has happened. Many of the common reactions are listed below. When you look at that list, it is important to remember that no one is the same and that we therefore also react differently. Some experience several of the reactions, some may be lucky enough not to experience any of them. And there are certainly other ways of reacting than those below. It is important to note that these are all normal reactions to an abnormal event.
Many people experience:
The most common physical reactions are nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, sweating, palpitations, rapid pulse, dizziness, numbness in the arms and legs, tremors. The after-reactions can be so strong that it can feel like a serious illness.
After-effects and the extent of reactions after rape vary, and sometimes the suffering can be long-lasting and severe. If you experience this, it is particularly important that you seek help. Some of the most common late effects of rape can be:
If you need to talk to someone about having been raped, you can find an overview of conversation partners here.
It often takes some time before one can bear to deal with the traumatic feelings, or at all to think or to talk in more detail to others about what has happened. Many of the common reactions are listed below. When you look at that list, it is important to remember that no one is the same and that we therefore also react differently. Some experience several of the reactions, some may be lucky enough not to experience any of them. And there are certainly other ways of reacting than those below. It is important to note that these are all normal reactions to an abnormal event.
Many people experience:
- Fear of abuser
- Fear of the place it happened
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Numbness, out of touch with the senses
- Apathy, action and emotional paralysis
- Tension in the body
- Sleep problems and nightmares
- Easier to get frighten than before (e.g. noises/sudden movements)
- Great swing in emotions
- Isolation
- Fear of being alone, at the same time as not being able to be with others
- Difficulties with intimacy and sexuality
- Anger, acting out, irritation, frustration (short fuse)
- Physical complaints, such as headache, stomach pain and nausea
- Impaired concentration
- Memory problems
- Restlessness
- Changes in appetite
- Changed time experience
The most common physical reactions are nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, sweating, palpitations, rapid pulse, dizziness, numbness in the arms and legs, tremors. The after-reactions can be so strong that it can feel like a serious illness.
After-effects and the extent of reactions after rape vary, and sometimes the suffering can be long-lasting and severe. If you experience this, it is particularly important that you seek help. Some of the most common late effects of rape can be:
- Self-judgement, guilt
- Fear, anxiety, feeling of helplessness
- Irritability, anger, frustration
- Unusual tiredness
- Intrusive memories (flashbacks)
- Headaches, stomachaches, sleep problems, nightmares
- Memory and concentration problems
- Depression, depressed mood
- Greater consumption of alcohol or other drugs than before, and/or harmful consumption of these
- Social isolation
- Self-harm
- Eating disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
If you need to talk to someone about having been raped, you can find an overview of conversation partners here.
There is no right or wrong way to react to being exposed to sexual acts without consent. What is important to be aware of is that although you may have experienced it unproblematically that someone performed sexual acts with you while you were unconscious, this does not mean that others will not experience a similar incident harmful and traumatic. Ask first.
The stories told in this campaign could have been reported and potentially led to a conviction. Various sections of the Criminal Code that could have been used are, for example:
§ 273. Bodily injury
Anyone who damages another's body or health, renders another physically powerless or induces unconsciousness or a similar condition in another is punished with imprisonment of up to 6 years.
Section 291
Whoever
a) obtains sexual intercourse through violence or threatening behaviour, or
b) has sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act, or
c) by violence or by threatening behavior causes someone to have sexual intercourse with another, or to carry out similar acts with themselves
§ 297. Sexual act without consent
Anyone who engages in sexual activity with someone who has not consented to it is punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to 1 year.
When the perpetrator has induced the state of intoxication, the case may also be covered by section 292 letter d, so that the minimum sentence of 3 years is applied. This may be relevant for stories 1, 3 and 4. In addition, a rape will be considered aggravated according to section 293 letter a if it is committed by several people together.
§ 273. Bodily injury
Anyone who damages another's body or health, renders another physically powerless or induces unconsciousness or a similar condition in another is punished with imprisonment of up to 6 years.
Section 291
Whoever
a) obtains sexual intercourse through violence or threatening behaviour, or
b) has sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act, or
c) by violence or by threatening behavior causes someone to have sexual intercourse with another, or to carry out similar acts with themselves
§ 297. Sexual act without consent
Anyone who engages in sexual activity with someone who has not consented to it is punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to 1 year.
When the perpetrator has induced the state of intoxication, the case may also be covered by section 292 letter d, so that the minimum sentence of 3 years is applied. This may be relevant for stories 1, 3 and 4. In addition, a rape will be considered aggravated according to section 293 letter a if it is committed by several people together.
9.4% of women and 1.1% of men in Norway have experienced rape during their lifetime, nearly half of the women before the age of 18.
The largest proportion of rapes are party-related (happening at a party/nachspiel, usually with alcohol/drugs involved).
Most rapes are committed by an acquaintance (86%).
The person who is raped rarely physically resists (70% end up in freeze mode).
The largest proportion of rapes are party-related (happening at a party/nachspiel, usually with alcohol/drugs involved).
Most rapes are committed by an acquaintance (86%).
The person who is raped rarely physically resists (70% end up in freeze mode).
Communication
Don't go to parties or take drugs with strangers without also bringing someone you trust.
Talk to each other before mixing sex with drugs. Clarify where your boundaries are and what you will do if the boundaries are violated.
Some drugs - such as amphetamines - are known to make the user less empathetic. If you know that this is a reaction you can get if you take the drug, clarify this with your partner. Make sure your partner(s) are able to communicate their boundaries clearly.
Check-in with your partner(s) during sex. Ask them how they feel about the sex and whether you should continue or stop. Avoid simple yes-and-no questions, but ask questions that make the other person think. This allows you to assess the person's consent competency.
Never leave a person with an overdose, or who is unconscious for other reasons, alone. It is important to have an overview of whether the person is breathing, but also to ensure that the person is not subjected to abuse.
If you see something that makes you unsure whether what is going on is okay, speak up. It may be that you are unsure whether the person is awake or not, or whether you think in other ways that the person may be exposed to danger. Ask the person if they are okay. Ask others present if what is going on is really okay. A good piece of advice is to always have someone you know with you so that you are not alone in difficult situations.
Sex, gender and gender divercity
Cis women should not leave it to cis men to dose (cis= non-trans) the drugs for them. Simply because cis-men generally tolerate higher doses than cis-women and like to base themselves on which doses are suitable for themselves. The woman then risks ingesting an overdose-promoting dose.
Central stimulant drugs - Lack of inhibitions and risk of regret
Stimulants - such as crystal methamphetamine (Tina/Ice), speed/amphetamine, cola/cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy/molly) or mephedrone - can have euphoric effects, make it easier for the user to let go of inhibitions, and can make you more social horny and for sex. In addition to increasing the user's physical and sexual stamina. In addition, they can make your sexual urges harder to resist by reducing your inhibitions and impulse control. It becomes more difficult to think about consequences. Some stimulants can even give rise to some urges or preferences that you wouldn't otherwise have. These effects can thus lead to you making decisions in chemsex that you may regret later.
These risks can be reduced by establishing some ground rules with your partner(s) if the situation allows. By agreeing what you are comfortable with in advance, you will be able to remind each other if you get too carried away later. This is wise regardless of the types of substances you choose to mix with sex.
By writing these agreements, for example by texting before a meeting, later disagreements are also avoided.
Stimulants - Problems reading and understanding other people
Stimulating drugs weaken our ability to recognize different facial expressions, and the emotions these are trying to convey. Central stimulants tend to make us interpret facial expressions as less negative than they really are.
Not being able to read facial expressions can obviously be a problem when trying to initiate sex, as it becomes more difficult to pick up signs that someone is not interested. However, it can also be a problem during sex, and especially when both (or all) participants are affected, as one may not notice that someone is no longer consenting to and enjoying an act. This increases the risk of experiencing, or committing, sexual abuse.
Some also find that they become less empathetic when using certain stimulant drugs. If you know you react this way, you should be open with your partners about this before you have sex under the influence of these drugs. Make sure your partner(s) are able to communicate their boundaries clearly.
Stimulants - Drug-induced psychoses
Loss of the ability to consent can occur in drug-induced psychosis. This is not entirely unusual with chemsex, especially if someone goes on a sleepless session for more than 24 hours, or if someone uses large doses when they are already sleep deprived.
Even without having
If you are going to organize an organized sex party, it is therefore a good idea to have a sober sitter who can assess the situation if necessary.
Regardless, it is important to minimize the risk of someone experiencing psychosis by encouraging adequate sleep before and between sessions, by educating first-timers.
MDMA
MDMA can make people very trusting and vulnerable, more so than other stimulant drugs. This effect is something to keep in mind when having sex with someone you don't know well, as it can be vulnerable to being taken advantage of, or persuaded to perform actions you wouldn't normally perform. And that it is easier to share sensitive information that you would not normally share.
Read more about stimulant drugs and sex here.
Mixture of drugs
It may be wise to avoid mixing stimulant drugs (such as cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA/ecstasy. Mixing these leads to an accumulation of signaling substances in the brain, which can make you confused, dizzy and lose track of the situation.
It may also be wise to avoid mixing stimulant drugs with central depressant drugs (such as alcohol, GHB/GBL, benzodiazepines or opiates), or with sedative drugs (such as ketamine). The different categories of drugs balance each other's effects so that you tolerate more of both types. Then you risk not getting the desired intoxicating effect with doses you are used to, and may be tempted to take higher doses to get the intoxicating effect. When the central stimulant drug leaves the system, you risk an overdose on the higher-than-normal dose of the central depressant drug.
If you choose to mix a central stimulant drug with a central depressant drug, choose a long-acting central stimulant drug. Never short-acting, like cocaine or mephedrone. Also familiarize yourself with the half-life (the time it takes for half of the drug to remain in your blood) of the various drugs.
Read how you can reduce risks if you choose to mix drugs here (Norwegian).
BDSM
BDSM (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission and sadism/masochism) can involve role-playing where one or more of the parties takes on a submissive role, and where the other takes on a dominant role. A safe word is a word agreed in advance to be used when the submissive actually believes that the sex must now be stopped. This is to avoid confusion. This may well be a word that is far from sexual and that breaks the mood. Chemfriendly talks to chemsex participants who have combined BDSM sex without a safe word, and although this can go well, we have been told that not using a safe word can imply an insecurity that can eat away at the psyche of the active and dominant. In addition to the fact that as a dominant you can end up actually violating someone's boundaries because you were unable to distinguish a real no, from a no that was part of the role play.
Read how you can prevent risks if you mix BDSM sex and drugs, here.
Don't go to parties or take drugs with strangers without also bringing someone you trust.
Talk to each other before mixing sex with drugs. Clarify where your boundaries are and what you will do if the boundaries are violated.
Some drugs - such as amphetamines - are known to make the user less empathetic. If you know that this is a reaction you can get if you take the drug, clarify this with your partner. Make sure your partner(s) are able to communicate their boundaries clearly.
Check-in with your partner(s) during sex. Ask them how they feel about the sex and whether you should continue or stop. Avoid simple yes-and-no questions, but ask questions that make the other person think. This allows you to assess the person's consent competency.
Never leave a person with an overdose, or who is unconscious for other reasons, alone. It is important to have an overview of whether the person is breathing, but also to ensure that the person is not subjected to abuse.
If you see something that makes you unsure whether what is going on is okay, speak up. It may be that you are unsure whether the person is awake or not, or whether you think in other ways that the person may be exposed to danger. Ask the person if they are okay. Ask others present if what is going on is really okay. A good piece of advice is to always have someone you know with you so that you are not alone in difficult situations.
Sex, gender and gender divercity
Cis women should not leave it to cis men to dose (cis= non-trans) the drugs for them. Simply because cis-men generally tolerate higher doses than cis-women and like to base themselves on which doses are suitable for themselves. The woman then risks ingesting an overdose-promoting dose.
Gender confirmation treatment, and hormones in particular, can change how a body reacts to drugs. There is little research on this, but many trans people themselves say that they experienced a marked difference in how they react to drugs before and after medical transition. This could be that you tolerate more or less than before, or that you react differently.
A common side effect of hormonal treatment for trans women can, for example, include overheating more easily. This means that you should be careful to assume that you have exactly the same tolerance as you did before starting hormones, and be aware that some drugs may take longer or longer to work.
At many chemsex parties and other gatherings where the aim is to have sex and get high, it can often happen that one person do alle te dosing of the drugs and then distributes this to participants at the party or to their partners. Standard doses at chemsex parties are often based on cismen. For trans people, it may be wise to start with doses that are in the lower tier if you get high on something that has different recommendations for men and women.
Being the only trans person present can make it more difficult for many to set boundaries or speak out in the face of transphobia or unpleasant situations, and can make you feel pressured to step over your own boundaries. Having sex with strangers who don't understand how transgender bodies work can make sex more uncomfortable and drugs can end up working differently for you than for others, making you more vulnerable to exploitation.
If you are trans and participating in chemsex where all or the majority of participants are cismen, try to make sure you have at least one ally present and be aware that the risks for you may be greater than for cismen.
Read more about trans people and chemsex here.
Central stimulant drugs - Lack of inhibitions and risk of regret
Stimulants - such as crystal methamphetamine (Tina/Ice), speed/amphetamine, cola/cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy/molly) or mephedrone - can have euphoric effects, make it easier for the user to let go of inhibitions, and can make you more social horny and for sex. In addition to increasing the user's physical and sexual stamina. In addition, they can make your sexual urges harder to resist by reducing your inhibitions and impulse control. It becomes more difficult to think about consequences. Some stimulants can even give rise to some urges or preferences that you wouldn't otherwise have. These effects can thus lead to you making decisions in chemsex that you may regret later.
These risks can be reduced by establishing some ground rules with your partner(s) if the situation allows. By agreeing what you are comfortable with in advance, you will be able to remind each other if you get too carried away later. This is wise regardless of the types of substances you choose to mix with sex.
By writing these agreements, for example by texting before a meeting, later disagreements are also avoided.
Stimulants - Problems reading and understanding other people
Stimulating drugs weaken our ability to recognize different facial expressions, and the emotions these are trying to convey. Central stimulants tend to make us interpret facial expressions as less negative than they really are.
Not being able to read facial expressions can obviously be a problem when trying to initiate sex, as it becomes more difficult to pick up signs that someone is not interested. However, it can also be a problem during sex, and especially when both (or all) participants are affected, as one may not notice that someone is no longer consenting to and enjoying an act. This increases the risk of experiencing, or committing, sexual abuse.
Some also find that they become less empathetic when using certain stimulant drugs. If you know you react this way, you should be open with your partners about this before you have sex under the influence of these drugs. Make sure your partner(s) are able to communicate their boundaries clearly.
Stimulants - Drug-induced psychoses
Loss of the ability to consent can occur in drug-induced psychosis. This is not entirely unusual with chemsex, especially if someone goes on a sleepless session for more than 24 hours, or if someone uses large doses when they are already sleep deprived.
Even without having
If you are going to organize an organized sex party, it is therefore a good idea to have a sober sitter who can assess the situation if necessary.
Regardless, it is important to minimize the risk of someone experiencing psychosis by encouraging adequate sleep before and between sessions, by educating first-timers.
MDMA
MDMA can make people very trusting and vulnerable, more so than other stimulant drugs. This effect is something to keep in mind when having sex with someone you don't know well, as it can be vulnerable to being taken advantage of, or persuaded to perform actions you wouldn't normally perform. And that it is easier to share sensitive information that you would not normally share.
Read more about stimulant drugs and sex here.
Mixture of drugs
It may be wise to avoid mixing stimulant drugs (such as cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA/ecstasy. Mixing these leads to an accumulation of signaling substances in the brain, which can make you confused, dizzy and lose track of the situation.
It may also be wise to avoid mixing stimulant drugs with central depressant drugs (such as alcohol, GHB/GBL, benzodiazepines or opiates), or with sedative drugs (such as ketamine). The different categories of drugs balance each other's effects so that you tolerate more of both types. Then you risk not getting the desired intoxicating effect with doses you are used to, and may be tempted to take higher doses to get the intoxicating effect. When the central stimulant drug leaves the system, you risk an overdose on the higher-than-normal dose of the central depressant drug.
If you choose to mix a central stimulant drug with a central depressant drug, choose a long-acting central stimulant drug. Never short-acting, like cocaine or mephedrone. Also familiarize yourself with the half-life (the time it takes for half of the drug to remain in your blood) of the various drugs.
Read how you can reduce risks if you choose to mix drugs here (Norwegian).
BDSM
BDSM (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission and sadism/masochism) can involve role-playing where one or more of the parties takes on a submissive role, and where the other takes on a dominant role. A safe word is a word agreed in advance to be used when the submissive actually believes that the sex must now be stopped. This is to avoid confusion. This may well be a word that is far from sexual and that breaks the mood. Chemfriendly talks to chemsex participants who have combined BDSM sex without a safe word, and although this can go well, we have been told that not using a safe word can imply an insecurity that can eat away at the psyche of the active and dominant. In addition to the fact that as a dominant you can end up actually violating someone's boundaries because you were unable to distinguish a real no, from a no that was part of the role play.
Read how you can prevent risks if you mix BDSM sex and drugs, here.
Partners
