Meth, Yaba, Ice are top drugs fuelling ‘chemsex’ in India, warns AIIMS Delhi survey

Inside the rising trend of Chemsex::A complex mix of drugs, desire, and risk.(Image: Pexels)

A recent survey by doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has revealed that Methamphetamine, Yaba (a mixture of Methamphetamine and caffeine) and ice (crystal form of Methamphetamine) are the most commonly used drugs during chemsex, the practice of having sex under the influence of strong drugs.

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The survey added that other than the top three, other popular drugs include MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), poppers (recreational drugs inhaled as fumes), and cocaine. Dr Siddharth Sarkar from the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, which conducted the survey, said that using drugs during sex is becoming more common in India, especially among men who have sex with men. “With the limited sampling, the study suggests that risk mitigation strategies may be contemplated by individuals who indulge in the use of drugs (especially injection drug use) to facilitate sexual intercourse,” he said

This, he added, highlights the increasing popularity of chemsex among youngsters in India. The survey, with a sample size of 136 recruited participants (75.7% males, 44.1% of whom self-identified as homosexual), found that chemsex was practised by 46 participants (33.8% of the sample). What is alarming is that the survey found that 21 people (about 46%) who had chemsex were involved in slamsex — a practise where drugs are injected into the body just before or during sex. Out of these 21, 7 people tested positive for HIV. About two-thirds of those who had chemsex reported that their partners also used drugs or substances.

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Why chemsex is risky

Many surveys in the past have warned of the health risks of indulging in chemsex. It often leads to more sexual partners, and less condom use. People who use these drugs during sex say they feel happier, more energetic, less tired, and surprisingly, more connected emotionally or physically. However, this way of improving sexual pleasure comes with a number of mental health issues. “Adverse experiences were also reported, with gaps in memory and feelings of fear or anxiety being the most common,” Dr Sarkar said.

Why the Survey Matters

Even though this survey doesn’t give direct help to the people who took part, Dr Sarkar said it gives doctors and health workers a better understanding of how drugs are used during sex in India, and the health risks involved.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis