According to the NCB, “chemsex” refers to the intentional use of certain psychoactive substances to facilitate, enhance or prolong sexual activity.
Health experts have identified substances commonly linked to chemsex, including Crystal Methamphetamine, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), Mephedrone and, in some cases, other stimulants or synthetic drugs.
These substances pose significant health risks such as overdose, dependence and adverse mental health effects.
Such signs include withdrawal from family and friends, sudden changes in social circles, declining academic performance, mood swings, unexplained financial demands and the presence of drug-related paraphernalia.
The NCB emphasised that addressing substance misuse requires awareness, open communication and access to support services rather than stigma.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has called on parents, educators and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant regarding the increasing use of the term “chemsex” among young people on social media and online platforms, drawing attention to the health risks linked to the practice.
According to the NCB, “chemsex” refers to the intentional use of certain psychoactive substances to facilitate, enhance or prolong sexual activity. The agency noted that the trend has increasingly been observed in digital spaces, with discussions on the practice emerging across multiple cities.
Health experts have identified substances commonly linked to chemsex, including Crystal Methamphetamine, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), Mephedrone and, in some cases, other stimulants or synthetic drugs. These substances pose significant health risks such as overdose, dependence and adverse mental health effects.
The NCB warned that digital dating applications and online platforms may sometimes be misused to facilitate drug procurement and organise private meetings, making awareness and timely intervention crucial.
Experts have also cautioned that substance use in such contexts can increase the risk of infectious diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially where safe sexual practices are not observed. They further underlined the dangers of accidental overdose, cardiovascular complications, psychological distress and long-term substance dependence.
The agency advised parents and guardians to monitor behavioural changes that could indicate substance misuse. Such signs include withdrawal from family and friends, sudden changes in social circles, declining academic performance, mood swings, unexplained financial demands and the presence of drug-related paraphernalia.
Health experts stated that common signs of possible drug intoxication may include unusually enlarged pupils, bloodshot eyes, loss of coordination, heightened energy, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, nausea, tremors, insomnia and sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
The NCB emphasised that addressing substance misuse requires awareness, open communication and access to support services rather than stigma. It encouraged families and communities to engage young people in discussions about drug-related harms and to seek professional help when necessary.
Medical literature has identified chemsex as an emerging public health issue involving psychoactive substance use in sexual contexts, noting the need for further research and targeted public health interventions to better understand and tackle the phenomenon.
