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In a new commentary, Distinguished Professor Christian Grov, doctoral alumna Alexa D’Angelo, and Florida International University Professor Adam W. Carrico call for greater precision in how researchers describe drug use in sexual settings, particularly in the United States.
The term “Chemsex” is widely used in research to describe these behaviors, but the researchers argue it may obscure important differences across communities and countries.
“Chemsex” originated in the United Kingdom, where early research focused on methamphetamine, mephedrone, and GHB/GBL and later broadened to include other substances. In the U.S., the authors argue, sexualized drug use is predominantly centered on methamphetamine, with or without GHB.
These patterns also change over time. The authors describe evidence of methamphetamine becoming more prominent in some U.K. settings as mephedrone use declined, underscoring the need for terminology that reflects evolving drug markets and local practices.
The distinction matters beyond semantics. Naming the substances involved can help researchers and practitioners address specific harms, including HIV acquisition, overdose and addiction. A narrowly sexual framing may also overlook other motivations: the commentary cites qualitative research in which participants described using methamphetamine for productivity, perceived cognitive benefits, and management of ADHD-like symptoms as well as sex.
“The language we use should reflect what people are actually using and how they describe their experiences,” says Grov. “Being specific about methamphetamine can help us ask better research questions and design services that respond to people’s needs.”
The authors recommend that U.S. researchers use “sexualized drug use” or, when appropriate, more specific terms such as “sexualized methamphetamine use” or “meth-involved sex.” Rather than calling for a universal replacement for “chemsex,” they encourage researchers internationally to choose language that reflects the communities they study and supports more targeted research, outreach and care.
