Exploring experiences of talk therapies among gay and bisexual men seeking to reduce or abstain from using crystal methamphetamine in the context of chemsex

Introduction

Some gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who use drugs to enhance sex (chemsex/party and play) may experience harms and seek talk therapies. GBMSM who practice chemsex may not access drug services because of anticipated stigma and the perception that these services lack chemsex expertise. Barriers to services are documented, however, little is known about the service experiences of chemsex engaged GBMSM.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants reporting current practice of sexualised use of methamphetamine and/or gamma hydroxybutyrate. Interviews explored experiences of counselling and psychology services, participant's treatment goals and challenges. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVIVO14 with a qualitative description methodology.

Results

Most in our study sought to reduce the frequency of methamphetamine use and used methamphetamine only in sexual contexts. When engaging with counsellors and psychologists in alcohol and other drug or mental health services for the general adult population, most censored the sexual drivers and types of sexual behaviours incumbent in their methamphetamine use. Participants' reliance on drugs for sex was spoken about as a major barrier to reducing methamphetamine. Sexual self-censorship within services inhibited participants' abilities to access meaningful support and achieve treatment goals.

Discussion and Conclusions

Counsellor and psychologists working with GBMSM around drug use, must ask about context of drug use and sex. Training and supervision around sexual therapies for those working alongside GBMSM who practice chemsex may be beneficial. Research on treatment approaches to support the sexual wellbeing of people who practice chemsex is required.