Making headlines with Controlling Chemsex

Controlling Chemsex is a London-based charity that I work with.

Really happy with the coverage that we've been getting from the LGBTQ media in the UK and around the world.

Big Issue

The Big Issue has published a first-person piece - a father sharing the story of losing his son.

My son’s death forced me to learn about chemsex – I want to help other parents avoid heartbreak

When their son died from a meth amphetamine overdose, this parent discovered he’d kept his struggles with chemsex secret.

The Big IssueGuest Columnist

Gay Star News

Gay Star News has recently shared their interview with Salina EsTitties, talking about the Global Chemsex Toolbox programme.

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Means Happy

Means Happy is an online publication that covers queer sexuality and lifestyle topics.

They recently interviewed Salina EsTitties about her support for the Global Chemsex Toolbox.

Salina EsTitties shares her story and seeks to help others struggling with chemsex

Salina EsTitties shares her story and seeks to help others struggling with chemsex. The Global Chemsex Toolbox is a free community-led initiative.

Means HappyGareth Johnson

Metro

The Metro newspaper has shared a first-person story from Chloe Marshall talking about the loss of her brother, Ben.

I had never heard of chemsex until my brother died from the drugs he’d taken

Ben’s laptop contained details of the world he’d been sucked into.

Metro.co.ukChloe Marshall

QX Magazine

QX is a London-based publication that focuses on queer nightlife and community events.

They've recently shared some insights about the connection between loneliness and chemsex.

Is loneliness fuelling our addiction to chems?

Drug use is generally talked about in terms of addiction but is loneliness what’s fuelling our addiction to chems?

QX MagazineQX

This builds on some earlier coverage which shared a first-person account of one of the guys that has been getting help from our team.

Ismail’s story - Using chems to suppress trauma: “I felt like a broken person.”

Ismail’s story - Using chems to suppress trauma: “I felt like a broken person.”

QX MagazineQX

QX has also shared our guide to navigating a comedown.

How to manage a chemsex comedown.

At some point, the party ends, so QX invited Ignacio Labayen de Inza from Controlling Chemsex to advise on how to manage a chemsex comedown.

QX MagazineQX

As well as insights about the rise in people injecting meth.

Slamming drugs during chemsex is on the rise in London.

New data shows that IV use of chems, known as slamming, is increasing in London, with more gay men seeking help relating to chemsex.

QX MagazineQX

Gay Times

The latest piece that we've had published by Gay Times is a first-person account from Simon. Simon shares his story about his need for intimacy and how chems helped him to connect with other guys before he realised the damage he was doing to his life.

‘My search for intimacy led me to chemsex, now I’m trying to regain control’

Simon was in his 30s when he first took part in chemsex and, now in his 40s, is “optimistic” about regaining control of his life.

GAY TIMESSimon

This builds on a couple of previous first-person pieces published by Gay Times. This includes:

• An article written by Chloe Marshall, sharing the story of her brother Ben.
• A first-person account from S who talks about the toll that chemsex took on his life.

There was also an earlier article helping to educate everyone about what Chemsex involves, what the risks are, and the help available.

Chemsex: What is it, what are the risks and how can I stay safe?

GAY TIMES collaborated with Controlling Chemsex to bring you the facts about having sex while under the influence of drugs.

GAY TIMESConor Clark

Squirt.org

Online dating app, Squirt.org has a digital publication called Daily Squirt.

They've covered the Global Chemsex Toolbox programme that we've launched.

Free online course is unique community-led response to tackling chemsex harm. | Daily Squirt

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To mark Blue Monday - the most depressing day of the year - they shared some advice on how to avoid a chems relapse.

Blue Monday got you feeling vulnerable? Activate your support networks to avoid a chems relapse. | Daily Squirt

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This built on earlier coverage from Squirt.org, including a first-person story from Alejandro - a young guy in London who is being supported by Controlling Chemsex to try and manage his addiction to crystal meth, as well as some tips on how to navigate party season.

Alejandro’s story – Crystal Meth addiction: “My body felt like it was shutting down” | Daily Squirt

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Struggling with chems? Check out these practical tips on how to navigate the festive season. | Daily Squirt

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Global Chemsex Toolbox

Check out this free online course for people wanting information about issues relating to chems.

Free online course is unique community-led response to tackling chemsex harm

A major health issue that many of us are grappling with.

G-TVGareth Johnson

Gooning and Bating?

If extended masturbation sessions are one of your triggers in relation to chems, setting yourself some limits is a good starting point.

Gooning and Bating: Is compulsive masturbation your chemsex trigger?

It might be helpful to set yourself some limits.

G-TVGareth Johnson

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