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LGBTQ+ people say mental health is the biggest concern of chemsex

LGBTQ+ people say mental health is their biggest concern associated with chemsex.

A new report finds stigma, poor awareness and lack of tailored support are stopping many from seeking help.

Mental health challenges, including trauma, loneliness and isolation, are the biggest concern associated with chemsex among LGBTQ+ people in London, according to a new report published today by London Friend and LGBT HERO.

The findings challenge common assumptions about chemsex, showing it is often rooted not just in risk-taking behaviour, but in unmet emotional and psychological needs. Respondents to the survey, conducted by London Friend and LGBT HERO, consistently linked their drug use to coping with poor mental health, highlighting the need for more holistic, affirming support.

At the same time, the report reveals significant barriers preventing people from accessing help. Four in ten LGBTQ+ Londoners who use drugs have never sought support, while half are unaware that chemsex-specific services exist.

Based on a survey of 334 LGBTQ+ people, the research paints a stark picture of unmet need across London. Many respondents said mainstream drug and alcohol services do not understand LGBTQ+ lives, leaving them feeling excluded or unable to engage. Shame and stigma were also identified as major factors stopping people from seeking potentially lifesaving support.

 

Key findings include:

  • Mental health is the primary concern associated with chemsex among LGBTQ+ people
  • Four in ten LGBTQ+ Londoners who use drugs have never sought support
  • Half are unaware of chemsex-specific support services
  • Mainstream services are often seen as lacking understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences
  • Shame and stigma remain significant barriers to accessing care.

 

Chemsex remains a significant health inequality for LGBTQ+ communities in London, shaped by intersecting factors including trauma, stigma, loneliness and ongoing mental health distress. While some people are accessing support, others are unable to find services that meet their needs, and harms continue to affect parts of the community.

The report, jointly published by London Friend which runs Antidote, the UK’s largest LGBTQ+-specific drug and alcohol service, and health and wellbeing charity LGBT HERO, highlights strong demand for services that are LGBTQ+-affirming, mental health-focused, and peer-led.

Further research by London Friend with healthcare professionals found that staff in sexual health and drug treatment services are increasingly encountering complex chemsex-related needs, but often lack the capacity or coordination required to respond effectively. Many professionals called for better integration between services and clearer pathways into specialist support.

 

Together, the findings point to gaps in London’s current system and underline the need for more coordinated, culturally competent responses that reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ lives.

 

Monty Moncrieff, Chief Executive of London Friend, said:

“It’s clear that chemsex is often related to a range of complex issues, and that services need to do more to meet these holistically, especially through improved mental health support.

Queer people are really clear in telling us they want to have better access to services run by and for their LGBTQ+ peers so there’s a real need to rethink how and where support is provided”.

 

Ian Howley, Chief Executive of LGBT HERO, said:

“This report shows that chemsex cannot be understood in isolation from mental health. Too many people are using drugs as a way of coping with loneliness, stigma and distress.

At the same time, too many don’t know where to turn, or don’t feel understood when they do. We need to make support more visible, more inclusive, and more reflective of LGBTQ+ experiences.”

 

Key recommendations:

  • Expand LGBTQ+-specific and peer-led drug and chemsex services
  • Integrate mental health support into all chemsex interventions
  • Improve awareness and visibility of available services
  • Strengthen coordination between sexual health, mental health, and drug services
  • Invest in training to ensure mainstream services are LGBTQ+-competent

 

Read the reports here: https://londonfriend.org.uk/chemsexreport2026