Khat, Meth, G and Chemsex. Know your poison.

Many men associate drugs with sex. They use ‘G’ while others use crystal meth, ‘Tik”, ‘khat/cat’ or ‘coke’, and then there’s ‘nyaope’, and “slamming” and for a few guys, all of the above. Some guys use drugs to make them feel hornier or to give them added confidence, others use drugs to make the sex feel more intense, and then there are others who just want to feel numb and forget their pain.

Many guys use drugs to make the sex last much longer and some  use drugs to get into kink, such as fisting or extended edging (sex or masturbation without coming). Some guys even avoid having sex unless they’re high on drugs.

Drugs often influence who we have sex with, what sex acts we get into, how roughly we play and the duration of the sex. Drug use also contributes to impulsive and addictive sexual behaviour. Irrespective of whether you’re HIV-positive or negative, the sex you have when you’re using drugs can be very risky for your health.

What You Should Know

Drugs often make us feel incredibly horny. We may become less selective about guys we’re prepared to play with, or we may be more tempted to get into group sex. Drugs also make us feel less inhibited: we may become  less discerning about the  sex we have and more likely  to bareback (fuck without a condom). This exposes us to the risk of either infecting a partner with HIV or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as syphilis or gonorrhoea or being infected ourselves.
Marijuana may alter how we sense and perceive sexual stimuli. Smoking dagga before or during sex may heighten sensitivity and enjoyment, but it also decreases inhibitions— increasing the likelihood of engaging in condomless sex.
HIV is transmitted very easily through cum from a positive top entering an anus of an HIV-negative bottom. Rougher or extended sessions of fucking increase the already high likelihood of transmission because the fragile lining  of the bottom’s anus can become damaged, even if there are no signs of blood.
Remember that just because someone thinks or says he is HIV-negative, it may not be true.

What drugs are out there and what are the risks of taking them?

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), drug addiction can cause hair loss, bad breath, stained teeth, tooth decay, liver disease and may even lead to brain damage. SADAG counsellors can be reached by clicking HERE.
In an article by Carte Blanche about the Top Street Drugs in SA lists marijuana, mandrax, crystal meth/tik/slamming/speed, heroin, codeine, benzos, cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, nyaope, LSD/acid and “huffing” solvents as common drugs available in South Africa. The effects of abusing these substances include psychosis, memory loss, depression, collapsed veins, liver and kidney disease, paranoia, convulsions, sexual dysfunction and even death.

What Can You Do?

Don’t use drugs as an excuse to bareback. Many guys manage to have great sex with condoms when they use drugs. You can do this too if you want to look after your health.
If you anticipate having sex, make sure you have plenty of condoms and condom-friendly water-based lube freely available. You may not want to search for a condom when you’re wired on drugs so make sure the condoms and lube are within reach. Talk to your partner. Agree on the sex you’re prepared to have with him (or them) before you guys use drugs, and help each other to abide by your agreement.
If you’re HIV-positive and on treatment, set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you to take your meds. Drugs can make you lose track of time.
Don’t be tempted to mix different drugs or to take increasing amounts of drugs. Drugs can interact with each other which can increase your risk of overdosing.
Drink sufficient water but don’t overdo this. If your body overheats from vigorous sex, take a break and chill for a while.

Bruce J. Little is the Content Creator at Anova Health Institute.