There is a number of ways to consume drugs when engaging in Chemsex, here we outline the most common methods with some information about how to maximise enjoyment while minimising harm.
Booty bumping is where your body absorbs drugs through the lining of your ass. The are two main ways to do this:
Consuming GBL, which is the stronger version of GBH, can cause serious damage to your ass lining. If you are using a syringe to squirt the drug up your ass, make sure it’s diluted (ideally in lukewarm water). Never share your syringes or any other paraphernalia used and, make sure the one you are using has not been used before.
Swallowing drugs, usually in the form of a pill, is generally the safest way to consume drugs as your body can break down some of the toxins. That said, many pills are cut with other substances that may not be as pure as you think. Consuming drugs by swallowing usually means that it takes longer to get an effect from the drug as this needs to pass through your digestive system. Therefore, it’s important not to consume high amounts of the drug just because you are not getting an effect straight away.
Snorting is where you consume drugs through your nose. The drug is usually in a powder form and snorted through equipment such as a rolled-up banknote (tooter), plastic tube, straw, or empty pen. When consuming drugs this way, they travel quickly through your bloodstream to your brain. This means the effect may be more intense than swallowing a pill. Sharing equipment can put you at risk of hepatitis C so you should always use your own equipment. Remember bank notes can have lots of germs on them so if you are going to consume drugs this way, use a clean straw to reduce infection risk.
In terms of risk, slamming is the most dangerous way to consume drugs as it carries significant risks:
You can find out more about safer injecting here.
Your local service for sterile injecting equipment can be found here. - http://www.needleexchange.scot/
Smoking is where you consume the drug through inhalation. Some chems, like crack cocaine, can be smoked using a stem pipe. In the case of crystal meth, a pipe with a bowl on it is used. Both these drugs, as well as ketamine, can be smoked using tin foil. Cannabis is consumed usually rolled in a joint, vape or through a bong or pipe. Consuming drugs this way gives you a very quick hit. Long term consumption this way can result in damage to your lungs and increases your chance of cancer.