Addictive disorders and correlates in the context of chemsex practices: A French online survey
Addictive Behaviors Reports. 2026-06-01; 23: 100679
DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2026.100679
Pavirani L(1)(2)(3), Jakubiec L(4), Daveluy A(2), Cazanave C(2)(5), Desnavailles
P(3), Fatseas M(1)(2)(3).
Author information:
(1)Univ. Bordeaux, INCIA CNRS-UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
(2)CHU Bordeaux F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
(3)CH Charles Perrens, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
(4)CH des Pyrénées, F-64000 Pau, France.
(5)Univ. Bordeaux, UMR 5334 CNRS Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité
(MFP), ARMYNE, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
BACKGROUND: Existing evidence shows that chemsex practice can contribute to
adverse health outcomes. However, the presence of addictive disorders based on
DSM-5 criteria remains underexplored in this population. The present study aimed
to assess the overall prevalence and associated factors of substance use
disorders (SUDs) and chemsex addiction among individuals engaged in chemsex,
using an online self-report questionnaire.
METHODS: The sample included 132 French adults having engaged in chemsex within
the previous 12 months. Sociodemographic characteristics, substance use
patterns, DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders and DSM-5 criteria adapted
to assess chemsex addiction, associated consequences, and sexual practices were
collected. Univariate analyses and logistic regression models were conducted to
explore factors associated with substance and chemsex-related addictions.
RESULTS: The most frequently used substances were synthetic cathinones, followed
by GHB/GBL and stimulants. Addictive disorders were highly prevalent,
particularly cathinone use disorder and addiction to chemsex practice, which
were associated with increased negative consequences, notably mental health
problems and suicidal ideation. The presence of cathinone use disorder was
associated with GHB/GBL use disorder, loss of control over sexual behavior,
craving for sex, and chemsex addiction. Both cathinone use disorder and craving
for sex significantly predicted chemsex addiction.
DISCUSSION: This study highlights the importance of assessing addictive
disorders in the context of chemsex by integrating both substance and behavioral
addictions, given the strong interconnection between substance use and
sexuality. Multidimensional and integrated treatment approaches are needed to
adequately prevent and manage specific addictive patterns and associated
risk-taking behaviors among individuals engaged in chemsex.
© 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2026.100679
PMCID: PMC12954504
PMID: 41782729
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that they have no known
competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.