Chemsex
Chemsex refers to using specific drugs — often crystal methamphetamine (meth), mephedrone, and GHB/GBL — to enhance or prolong sexual activity, usually with multiple partners.
It can involve long sessions, often lasting hours or days, and is most associated with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
At The Garden Clinic, we provide non-judgmental, confidential support for anyone engaging in or affected by chemsex.
Whether you're looking for health checks, harm reduction advice, or support with drug use or mental health, we’re here to help.
Talk to us
If you have questions or want support, you can book an appointment online or call us
Call 0300 365 7777 Option 1.
Everything is confidential and tailored to you. We're here to support your health, whatever that looks like for you.
- Crystal meth (methamphetamine): A stimulant that can increase energy, confidence, and sex drive.
- Mephedrone ("meph" or "miaow"): A stimulant similar to amphetamines.
- GHB/GBL: A sedative that can heighten sensations but also cause blackouts or unconsciousness, especially in high doses or when mixed with alcohol.
These drugs can have serious health effects, particularly when used frequently or in combination.
Sexual Health Risks
- Increased risk of STIs and HIV, especially when condoms or PrEP aren’t used
- Sharing injecting equipment can spread hepatitis C and other infections
- Prolonged sessions can lead to genital trauma and higher susceptibility to infection
Mental Health & Emotional Risks
- Depression, anxiety, or paranoia (especially after a session or during "comedowns")
- Loss of control, regret, or trauma due to consent being impaired by drug use
Physical Health Risks
- Overdose, particularly with GHB/GBL, which can be fatal in small margins
- Dehydration, poor nutrition, sleep deprivation
- Risk of addiction or dependency over time
If you're worried about your own or someone else's chemsex use, you're not alone — and support is available.
We can help with:
- HIV & STI testing
- Harm reduction advice
- Access to PEP or PrEP
- Counselling and mental health referrals
- Support around drug use or addiction
- Peer support and community resources
Our team is trained to provide safe, non-judgmental care tailored to your needs.
Harm Reduction Tips
If you’re choosing to engage in chemsex, consider these safer practices:
- Know your dose, especially with GHB—always measure and wait before redosing
- Avoid mixing drugs or alcohol, particularly with GHB
- Use condoms and/or PrEP to reduce the risk of HIV and STIs
- Don’t share needles or equipment if injecting
- Stay hydrated and take breaks—your body needs rest
- Let someone you trust know where you are
Please bring your referral letter if you have been to your GP.
Use our online form to book your appointment
You can call us between 10am to 2pm, throughout the week.
Please be aware our phone lines close every Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm.
Call 0300 365 7777
The Garden Clinic
Upton Hospital
Albert Street
Slough
SL1 2BJ
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12pm to 7pm |
| Tuesday | 8.30am to 4pm |
| Wednesday |
8.30am to 11am 3.30pm to 5pm (Young Person's clinic, no appointment needed) |
| Thursday | 8.30m to 4pm |
| Friday | 8.30am to 4pm |
| Saturday |
10am to 12pm (Virtual phone call clinic) |
The Garden Clinic (Community Health Clinic)
St Marks Hospital
St Marks Road
Maidenhead
SL6 6DU
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday |
5pm to 7pm (Virtual call clinic) |
The Garden Clinic
Skimped Hill Health Centre
Skimped Hill Lane
Bracknell
RG12 1LH
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11am to 6pm |
| Thursday |
10am to 3pm 3pm to 5pm (Young Person's Clinic, no appointment needed) |
We also offer Young Person’s clinics in Slough and Bracknell if you're aged 18 or under.
You can call us between 10am to 2pm, throughout the week.
Please be aware our phone lines close every Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm.
Call 0300 365 7777
The Garden Clinic
Upton Hospital
Albert Street
Slough
SL1 2BJ
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday |
3.30pm to 5pm (Young Person's clinic, no appointment needed) |
Skimped Hill Health Centre
Bracknell
RG12 1LH
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Thursdays |
3.30pm to 5pm (Young Person's clinic, no appointment needed) |
Braccan Walk Youth Centre
The Ring
Bracknell
RG12 1GN
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3pm to 5pm |
Bracknell and Wokingham College
Church Road
Bracknell
RG12 1DJ
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11.30am to 1.30pm |
Garden Clinic (Skimped Hill)
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Garden Clinic for our Sexual Health Service, at Skimped Hill.
Watch the Garden Clinic (Skimped Hill) video on our YouTube channel (new browser tab)
Garden Clinic (Upton Hospital)
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Garden Clinic for our Sexual Health Service, at Upton Hospital.
Watch the Garden Clinic (Upton Hospital) video on our YouTube channel (new browser tab)
Braccan Walk Youth Hub
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Braccan Walk Youth Hub.
Watch the Braccan Walk Youth Hub video (new browser tab)
Bracknell and Wokingham College
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Braccan Walk Youth Hub.
Watch the Bracknell and Wokingham College virtual tour on our YouTube channel (new browser tab)
Support groups
You can turn to support groups across the region for more information about drug and alcohol addiction support.
Slough Treatment, Advice and Recovery Team (START) – Turning Point
START is Slough’s primary NHS-commissioned drug and alcohol service, operated by Turning Point.
They offer free, confidential support for individuals dealing with substance misuse. Services include harm reduction, detox support, counselling, and recovery planning.
START is known for its compassionate, non-judgmental approach and has been rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Visit the Turning Point website
Visit the START listing on the Slough Borough Council website
Primrose Lodge – Guildford
Located approximately 20 miles from Slough, Primrose Lodge offers residential rehabilitation in a comfortable setting. Facilities include en-suite bedrooms, on-site gyms, and tailored therapy programmes. They also provide one year of aftercare support.
Visit the UK Addiction Treatment Centres website
Liberty House Clinic – Luton
Situated in Luton, Liberty House Clinic provides detoxification and rehabilitation services under professional supervision.
They offer long-term care and individualized attention, making it a viable option for those seeking comprehensive treatment.
Visit the Liberty House listing on the UK Addiction Treatment Centres website
Cassiobury Court – Berkshire
Cassiobury Court offers private drug and alcohol rehabilitation services at their 21-bedroom residential centre.
Their programmes include medically assisted detoxification, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and holistic therapies.
These groups provide peer-led support and are open to anyone seeking help with addiction recovery
See the full list of meeting locations and times on the UK Addiction Treatment Centres website
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
| Session | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Slough Morning Newcomers |
9am, Saturdays |
Slough Bowls Club, Chalvey Rd East, SL1 2LR |
| Slough Lunchtime |
1pm, Tuesdays |
St Mary’s Church, Church St, SL1 1PJ |
| Slough Experience Strength & Hope (SESH) |
8pm, Wednesdays |
Kingsway United Reformed Church, Church Street, SL1 1SZ |
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
| Session | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Meeting | 7pm, Tuesdays |
DAAT Resilience Unit, 13 Reform Road, Maidenhead, SL6 8BY |
|
Sunday Spiritual Principles Book Study |
7.30pm, Tuesdays | The Vestry, St Mary’s Church, Church Street, SL1 1PJ |