Controlling or quitting chemsex

Tips that will help you better manage or quit chemsex

Set realistic goals – it helps to start with small, realistic and achievable goals. This might be delaying the time of day when you start using or avoiding using for one day or a weekend.

Delete your hook-up apps – deleting apps after chemsex can help remove the temptation of jumping back into chemsex. It’s always easy to reload them for next time.  

Avoid chemsex buddies – people you’ve done chems with may not appreciate that you are trying to cut back or quit. It can be helpful to delete these contacts to avoid getting tempted back in.

Throw away chemsex related things – get rid of all your drugs and paraphernalia (pipes, needles etc). Having these things around can be triggering or tempt you into using again.

Fill your time – you may find that you have become disconnected from things you used to enjoy. Try reconnecting with activities you used to like or friends you haven’t seen in awhile. This can help you keep occupied.

Use your support network – reach out to friends and family members who you feel you can trust and can rely on. If they are not sure how to support you, they can visit our page on Helping a Friend.

Managing lapses and relapses – remember that controlling or quitting chems is not always easy or straightforward. You may experience setbacks. Don’t be harsh on yourself and keep trying until you reach your goal.

Change the scene – it may feel like where you currently live and the people around you are triggering and drawing you back into a pattern of using. If it’s possible, consider moving to a new area or back home.

Beware sabotaging thoughts – when you are dependent on using chems your mind will do anything to trick you into using again. You may have thoughts like, ‘my usage is not that bad’, ‘I don’t really have a problem’ or ‘I can stop next week’. It can be helpful to externalise these thoughts and rationalise that they do not represent the positive changes you want to make.