Slamming: What It Is And What Are The Risks Of The Slam Drug
He chemsex -of chem, chemistry; and sex, sex—is a term commonly used in gay culture which refers to the practice of sexual activities under the influence of illicit drugs. Some of these are usually mephedrone, GHB or methamphetamine. Although it is an increasingly common practice, the boundaries between sporadic consumption and another that has serious consequences for health (both physical, sexual and mental) are difficult to distinguish.
Furthermore, certain scientific research suggests that in recent years the form of administration of these substances intravenously could have increased, which is known as slam either slamming In this article we will develop what the risks of this practice are.
First of all, before delving into the risks of slammingwe consider it necessary to point out the importance of addressing this issue leaving judgment aside When dealing with problems that link drug consumption with sexual activities without taboos, contrary to what many discourses maintain, in no way is an “apology for consumption” being carried out, but quite the opposite: an attempt is made to raise awareness about the risks that certain behaviors could entail to a person’s sexual, physical and mental health; but always from an empathetic and respectful perspective.
Ultimately, a person who falls into problematic consumption is someone who should be helped both informally and professionally, and therefore stigmas only increase their suffering. Furthermore, regarding the specific issues of the chemsex and the slamming, these mostly concern homosexual men, bisexuals, and men who have sex with men; thus, Some of them might carry out this risky practice as a way of coping with difficult experiences derived from belonging to a historically discriminated community.
As we said previously, the slamming It refers to the administration of a drug intravenously—that is, by injection—in the context of sexual practices that involve substance consumption (chemsex) This is just one route of administration for a drug; However, it has a higher risk than others since the substance enters the bloodstream directly. In this way, the substance will be absorbed quickly and almost completely, so it would be correct to point out that the bioavailability of the drug is greater compared to other forms of consumption.
This potentially poses a serious problem, since some substances such as methamphetamine have very powerful effects even through other ways of consuming it such as orally or by inhalation. Consequently, the risks of slamming They not only derive from the drug, but also from the way it is administered.
The risk of slamming resulting from injection
An injection is a medical procedure that not everyone can perform. Therefore, one of the risks derived from slamming is that a part of the injected substance is administered not into the bloodstream but into the tissue that surrounds it, which can cause infections in the muscle or skin
Furthermore, many people who carry out this practice do not disinfect their skin, so infection or inflammation could occur in the vein due to the entry of a pathogen. There are other associated risks that must be taken into account, such as sharing syringes or using them on more than one occasion; or the possibility of transmission of viruses through blood such as HIV or Hepatitis C.
The risks of slamming They are also directly related to how intense the effects of the drugs may be due to intravenous consumption. A study carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) indicates that The damage from the abuse of these practices can materialize in the mental health of men
Some research participants noted that they had the experience during practice of feeling extremely irritable and anxious; and many others indicated that they needed medical intervention to deal with anxiety attacks or extreme paranoia events while practicing a session of chemsex. This is because it is very difficult for a person who consumes to establish a criterion about up to what point The drug will not bring significant consequences. If it is already a problem, through intravenous injection—that is, the slamming—, the drug acts faster and enters in greater quantities, so the effects become more serious.
Symptoms of an overdose of some of the substances are the following:
An overdose can ultimately lead to a person’s death But it is not only for this reason that it is necessary to know more about the risks of problematic substance use through this route, since it is not necessary to reach that point for the consequences of substance abuse to impact a person’s life.
Fortunately, based on the findings of scientific research and the dissemination of different activists and health professionals, such as psychologists and doctors, the message is increasingly visible: it is not about continuing to stigmatize those who practice slamming, but to raise awareness about risk prevention for those who, despite its consequences, continue to carry out this practice. The contributions of the disseminators called for the CESIDA campaign, which are referenced in this article to expand further on the matter, are valuable. Likewise, it is necessary to point out that at the moment in which consumption has a negative impact on any vital area (whether at work, in the family, but also on an intrapersonal level) it is of utmost importance to go to a professional trained to provide assistance. There is always someone on the other side capable of helping.
