Chemsex from Drug Checking Services: descriptive study on methamphetamine, mephedrone, and other synthetic cathinones

Background. Drug Checking Services (DCS) have proven to be an effective intervention that
allows access to safer consumption practices for the population. This study focuses on the user
population engaged in chemsex practices. Materials and Methods. A descriptive analysis of substance
samples provided by individuals participating in chemsex practices, with a focus on methamphetamine
(METH), mephedrone, and other synthetic cathinones. Data were collected by
the Drug Checking and Sexuality Counseling Service (DCSCS) of Chem-Safe (Energy Control).
Sociodemographic characteristics of users, substance acquisition contexts, and chemical composition
were examined. Results. The Chem-Safe DCSCS user population engaging in chemsex
sessions consists predominantly of middle-aged men. Fifteen different substance typologies were
analyzed, with METH and cathinones predominating. In the case of METH, adulteration through
addition was found, with a predominance of the smoked route (50%). Synthetic cathinones
showed a high rate of adulteration through substitution, with a preference for intravenous and
insufflation routes (41.67% each). Conclusions. The main substances analyzed by DCSCS are
METH and synthetic cathinones, revealing differences in acquisition, administration, and adulteration
contexts. This contributes to an increased health risk for users.