Making headlines with Controlling Chemsex

Getting the message out on a major health issue for gay men.

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.

Yahoo News

The news team at Yahoo UK have published an in-depth feature on chemsex, drawing on the expertise of the team at Controlling Chemsex.

Chemsex killed my kind and caring son
There’s a growing ‘chemsex’ scene where men are risking everything for the ultimate high. A father and an ex-addict share their shocking stories…

How To Date Men

Gaydar's podcast, How To Date Men featured an interview with Adam - a guy who has accessed the support services offered by Controlling Chemsex.

Gay London Life

As well as promoting an upcoming fundraising event that we've got planned, Gay London Life also shares a first-person account from Adam - a guy who has accessed the support services offered by Controlling Chemsex.

Ready To Work Up A Sweat For A Good Cause?
If you’re a fan of Bikram Yoga or just interested in giving it a try, Conleth Kane invites you to strip off and get sweaty in support of the London charity, Controlling Chemsex. Taking place on 17th August at Brewer Street Yoga, this special session of Bikram will run from 16:30 to 17:30. Bikram delivers […]

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.

Gay Star News

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

Means Happy

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

A recent article features a fundraising Spin class that is raising money to support the work of Controlling Chemsex.

Sex, drugs, and fitness?
This class can really make a difference.

They also 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.

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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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