NCB flags rising 'Chemsex' trend among youth, urges parents to stay vigilant
New Delhi, August 3
The Narcotics Control Bureau has urged parents, educators and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant about the growing use of the term "chemsex" among some young people on social media and online platforms, highlighting the health risks associated with the practice.
According to the NCB, "Chemsex" refers to the intentional use of certain psychoactive substances to facilitate, enhance or prolong sexual activity. The agency said the trend has increasingly come under observation in digital spaces, where discussions around the practice have surfaced across multiple cities.
Health experts note that the substances commonly associated with Chemsex include Crystal Methamphetamine, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), Mephedrone and in some cases, other stimulants or synthetic drugs. These substances carry significant health risks, including overdose, dependence and adverse mental health effects.
The NCB cautioned that digital dating applications and online platforms can sometimes be misused to facilitate drug procurement and organise private meetups, making awareness and timely intervention essential.
Experts have warned that substance use in such settings may increase the risk of infectious diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly where safe sexual practices are not followed. They also highlighted the dangers of accidental overdose, cardiovascular complications, psychological distress and long-term substance dependence.
The agency advised parents and guardians to watch for behavioural changes that could indicate substance misuse, including withdrawal from family and friends, sudden changes in social circles, declining academic performance, mood swings, unexplained financial demands and the presence of drug-related paraphernalia.
Common signs of possible drug intoxication may include unusually enlarged pupils, bloodshot eyes, loss of coordination, heightened energy, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, nausea, tremors, insomnia and sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, according to health experts.
The NCB stressed that addressing substance misuse requires awareness, open communication and access to support services rather than stigma. It encouraged families and communities to engage young people in conversations about drug-related harms and seek professional help where needed.
Medical literature has described chemsex as an emerging public health issue associated with the use of psychoactive substances in sexual settings, noting that more research and targeted public health interventions are needed to better understand and address the phenomenon.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's sad that in 2024, we still need to educate people about drugs being dangerous. The digital age has made it so easy for young people to access these substances through dating apps. Instead of just policing, the government should also focus on mental health support and creating safe spaces for youth to talk about these issues without judgment.
As someone who works in public health, I'm glad this is being highlighted. But I wish the article would also mention that shaming or punishing young people for experimenting isn't the answer. We need more de-addiction centres and counsellors who understand youth culture. Education and empathy over stigma, always.
Honestly, this is scary. I'm in my late 20s and I've seen friends from college get into this rabbit hole. It starts with "just trying once" and before you know it, they're hooked. The NCB needs to crack down on these apps that allow drug deals to happen right under our noses. Parents, please be vigilant but also be supportive, not aggressive.
This is such an important issue everywhere, not just India. In the UK we've been dealing with chemsex for years now. The key takeaway here is the NCB's message about not stigmatising — we need more open conversations, better sexual health education, and accessible support services. Hope India learns from global best practices.
The warning signs listed are so crucial for parents — mood swings, unexplained money demands, changing friend circles. But can we also talk about how expensive these drugs are? If your teenager is suddenly spending without
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.