- Some sex workers use drugs during sex. This is called chemsex.
- They do this for example because a client pays them to
- Or because it means you can do your work better
- Make sure you know what the drugs do before using them. And what the risks are
What is chemsex
Chemsex means that you have sex and use drugs while doing so. This can be with one client, but chemsex is often in a group and last a long time. Drugs make it easier to keep going.
Why drugs
Some seksworkers use drugs or alcohol for several reasons:
- You are willing to do more and have fewer inhibitions
- Sometimes, you are less aware during sex or you think less
- Clients sometimes pay more to use drugs with sex workers
You are never obliged to use drugs. Not even if a client asks you to. Do this only if you want to.
Is your client forcing you to use drugs? Try to contact the police immediately by calling 112.
Risks
There are disadvantages to taking drugs while working:
- You sometimes do things you wouldn’t do if you were not taking drugs
- You are more likely to have unsafe sex. That’s how you can get an STI
- You can become addicted to drugs. Sex without drugs is then often difficult
Are you using drugs while having sex? Make sure you know what the effects and risks are of the drugs you take. So you can keep working safely.
Use drugs safely
Do you want to use drugs while working? Try to do this as safely as possible.
How safe or dangerous drugs are depends on:
- The quality of the drugs
- What drugs are you using
- Whether you take them in combination with other drugs
- Where you use them and with whom
- When you use them (how you feel at the time)
- Whether you are male of female, how tall you are and what you weigh. Are you a short, light female? Then drugs sometimes affect you more. And you should use less
- How many drugs you take and how often
Types of drugs
There are four types of drugs:
- Downers: these make you relax
- Uppers: these give you energy and make you alert
- Poppers: give you a short high and make your sexual experience more intense
- Psychedelics: these are drugs that make you feel, hear and see things differently than when you don’t use drugs
Stopping or reducing
Do you want to stop taking drugs? Do you want to cut back on your drug use? Or do you want more control of your drug use? You can go to these locations for help:
- Chemsex consulting hours at the Amsterdam municipal health service (GGD): every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the STI outpatient clinic. Would you rather speak to someone by phone? Mail your question to chemsex@ggd.amsterdam.nl and a consultant will phone you
- Jellinek Advieslijn: 088 – 5051220 (every workday from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Advice without obligation? Mail Pink Unity
- Chemsex care finder Carefinder for all of the Netherlands
Do you need advice or support? Get help
Do you have a problem or question about your work? Or do you need advice or care? You can get help.