French Parliament Postpones National Strategy to Address Rising Chemsex Practices
Legislative focus turns to chemsex amid concerns of widespread substance use among youth.
As concerns about substance use rise among the French population, chemsex—a practice involving the use of psychoactive substances to intensify and prolong sexual encounters—has come under increased scrutiny.
On March 31, 2023, a resolution highlighting the growing prevalence of chemsex was approved by the French National Assembly, receiving 96 votes in favor out of 99. The initiative, driven by MP Brigitte Liso of the North (EPR), calls for a comprehensive epidemiological assessment and a national prevention strategy, including support for associations, awareness campaigns, and healthcare professional training.
The media spotlight on chemsex intensified following a February 2023 car accident involving comedian Pierre Palmade, who had been engaging in chemsex for several days before the incident.
A report submitted to the Ministry of Health in 2022 estimated that between 100,000 and 200,000 individuals in France are involved in chemsex, figures that many addiction specialists believe underestimate the actual numbers.
The pandemic’s lockdown in 2020 is cited as a period that exacerbated these practices.
Brigitte Liso reported a troubling trend of younger individuals participating in chemsex across various demographics.
In discussions with constituents, she noted a particularly harrowing case involving an adolescent whose sudden descent into addiction left his family distraught.
She emphasized the urgent need for education regarding the substances involved, particularly GHB, which can be synthesized from various household chemicals.
Liso has expressed concerns that prevention efforts have largely overlooked heterosexual populations, who do not have the same access to preventative resources as the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to the dissolution of the National Assembly, a nearly identical resolution was set to be debated in June 2023. In October, the issue re-emerged during the examination of a financial legislation proposal.
Liso successfully pushed for an allocation of €300,000 specifically for chemsex prevention, although this budget was ultimately cut from the final government-approved version.
Liso highlighted the accessibility of psychoactive substances and the role of dating applications in spreading chemsex practices.
She advocates for urgent awareness programs disseminated via popular social media platforms like TikTok and dating apps such as Grindr to reach younger audiences.
Reports indicate that chemsex can have dire consequences; two fatal overdoses occurred in Bordeaux in March 2024 during a chemsex event involving 3MMC, ketamine, and poppers.
Notably, GHB is frequently associated with these practices due to its seductive effects, as well as the potential for misuse.
Similarly, 3MMC has moved from a niche chemsex substance to a more mainstream presence within queer party culture and techno events.
Addressing societal taboos surrounding drug use and sexuality, Liso acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing comprehensive sexual health education in France.
The approved resolution does not impose obligations on the State, raising questions about future governmental action on the issue of chemsex.
On March 31, 2023, a resolution highlighting the growing prevalence of chemsex was approved by the French National Assembly, receiving 96 votes in favor out of 99. The initiative, driven by MP Brigitte Liso of the North (EPR), calls for a comprehensive epidemiological assessment and a national prevention strategy, including support for associations, awareness campaigns, and healthcare professional training.
The media spotlight on chemsex intensified following a February 2023 car accident involving comedian Pierre Palmade, who had been engaging in chemsex for several days before the incident.
A report submitted to the Ministry of Health in 2022 estimated that between 100,000 and 200,000 individuals in France are involved in chemsex, figures that many addiction specialists believe underestimate the actual numbers.
The pandemic’s lockdown in 2020 is cited as a period that exacerbated these practices.
Brigitte Liso reported a troubling trend of younger individuals participating in chemsex across various demographics.
In discussions with constituents, she noted a particularly harrowing case involving an adolescent whose sudden descent into addiction left his family distraught.
She emphasized the urgent need for education regarding the substances involved, particularly GHB, which can be synthesized from various household chemicals.
Liso has expressed concerns that prevention efforts have largely overlooked heterosexual populations, who do not have the same access to preventative resources as the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to the dissolution of the National Assembly, a nearly identical resolution was set to be debated in June 2023. In October, the issue re-emerged during the examination of a financial legislation proposal.
Liso successfully pushed for an allocation of €300,000 specifically for chemsex prevention, although this budget was ultimately cut from the final government-approved version.
Liso highlighted the accessibility of psychoactive substances and the role of dating applications in spreading chemsex practices.
She advocates for urgent awareness programs disseminated via popular social media platforms like TikTok and dating apps such as Grindr to reach younger audiences.
Reports indicate that chemsex can have dire consequences; two fatal overdoses occurred in Bordeaux in March 2024 during a chemsex event involving 3MMC, ketamine, and poppers.
Notably, GHB is frequently associated with these practices due to its seductive effects, as well as the potential for misuse.
Similarly, 3MMC has moved from a niche chemsex substance to a more mainstream presence within queer party culture and techno events.
Addressing societal taboos surrounding drug use and sexuality, Liso acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing comprehensive sexual health education in France.
The approved resolution does not impose obligations on the State, raising questions about future governmental action on the issue of chemsex.
