After the high: An investigation on the deadly effects of Chemsex and the myths surrounding it

ITV News Digital Reporter Sam Leader investigates a 'silent' crisis of drug deaths shaking parts of the LGBT+ community across the UK. Healthcare, law enforcement and nonprofit professionals are sounding the alarm at a lack of wider action around 'chemsex' - the use of drugs to enhance sex - and its related drugs. Chemsex is the use of drugs to enhance sex. The practice is more prevalent amongst gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men, but is not exclusive to this cohort. Our investigation found that chemsex-related drugs, namely GHB/GBL and Crystal Meth, and which were once hidden behind closed doors, are by no means exclusively used for sex, with devastating consequences. More and more within the community are using the potent and addictive drugs recreationally, likely by being in closer proximity to the substances. If you've been affected by the video and need help, support or advice, you can find more information here: https://www.itv.com/news/2025-03-11/a-silent-crisis-chemsex-drugs-claiming-lgbt-lives-yet-few-are-listening --------------------------------------------------------------------- • You can read more about the story here: https://shorturl.at/QAPrg • Subscribe to ITV News on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2lOHmNj • Get breaking news and more stories at http://www.itv.com/news Follows ITV News on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@itvnews?lang=en Follow ITV News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itvnews/ Follow ITV News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/ Follow ITV News on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itvnews