I have just completed a Needs Assessment (commissioned by South London public health) on the trends, prevalence and impact of chemsex. I also run support groups for people affected by it. This workshop looks at why some clients who are men who have sex with men (MSM) become involved in the chemsex scene — sexualised drug use with multiple partners — even when they do not see it as having a positive impact on their lives. I will look at practical approaches to the effects of addictive behaviours on mental health, without demonising or glamourising recreational drugs. I will look at the drugs involved and their effects, routes into chemsex (including isolation, homophobia, self-worth and poor mental health), and routes out when the right support is available. I will also examine different therapeutic models in responding to the mental health needs of this client group and offer best practice in setting up a service which recognises your own boundaries but also acknowledges the barriers this heavily stigmatised and badly represented group may face in accessing support

Description supplied by the event organiser.