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Global
The use of drugs during sex is a growing worldwide phenomenon among men who have sex with men (MSM). Mainline has built a unique track record while working in the frontline of the Dutch 'chemsex' scene. Now, we also apply this expertise in an international context.
Mainline has been providing support to MSM who engage in chemsex since 2016. Our Dutch expertise is also requested internationally to support local/country organizations in the development and implementation of harm reduction interventions around (problematic) chemsex. In addition, we regularly share our expertise during national and international expert panels, chemsex events and conferences.
Despite some similarities, it is clear that global chemsex scenes differ from the Dutch scene. Men from other parts of the world may use different substances and different ways of administering them, as well as different ways of engaging in chemsex.
Naturally, this means that a country-specific harm reduction approach is necessary. Our expertise from working on the grassroots level has informed our development of effective harm reduction interventions for men who engage in chemsex.
Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant that is commonly used during chemsex. Very often in combination with other substances. Chemsex is perceived as hotter and kinkier, as it gives an intense euphoria, boundaries are shifted, and orgasms are delayed. Men contact other men on dating apps and websites looking for Party and Play (PnP), High Fun, and high and horny (HnH). A large group of MSM use drugs consciously. However, a growing group face social, physical and mental health problems due to uncontrolled use.
Chemsex-e-learning
Mainline is soon sharing its expertise on chemsex through two informative and interactive e-courses. These courses will be part of our digital Harm Reduction school, which will be launched in April 2023. Our e-learning packages are aimed towards health professionals working directly (or indirectly) with men who have sex with men engaged in chemsex across the globe.
The Harm Reduction School will offer two courses. Part one increases the participants’ understanding of chemsex, substances, the context and related issues. Part two goes deeper into the interventions that can support men with sexual, mental and general health problems. The e-learnings can also be combined with with face-to-face training, also offered by Mainline.
More info on chemsex in the Netherlands
Talk to a chemsex expert at Mainline via chemsex@mainline.nl.
For chemsex trainings in your country, contact: Simon Williams via s.williams@mainline.nl
Nepal
Mainline was asked to review the current harm reduction programmes in Nepal from the perspective of women who inject drugs. Based on interviews with women we formulated recommendations to improve service delivery.
Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Greece, Germany, France
Several risk factors increase the vulnerability of (new) groups of migrants to engage in problematic drug use. These risk factors include traumatic experiences, disengagement with society, unemployment and poverty. Services and municipalities throughout the European Union are faced with the urgent challenge to address these migrants’ needs.
Burkina Faso, Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Marocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Mainline is a partner in the Love Alliance programme. The Love Alliance brings together organisations led by communities most affected by HIV and AIDS.
Vietnam
In 2021 and 2022, SCDI in Vietnam and Mainline can continue to strengthen and expand the available harm reduction offer for people who use meth-amphetamines. After establishing the regional field lab in 2019 and 2020 we now have the opportunity to push this innovative initiative to the next level. One important element: to improve and expand the community mental health response. Moreover, the skills that were built in Hanoi's field lab are ready to be further disseminated across the South East Asian Region.
United Kingdom, Finland, Greece, Estonia, Serbia, Portugal, the Netherlands
Harm reduction approaches are rarely applied in a recreational sports setting. And why would we - sport equals health, right? Not always. Research shows that the use of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) is quite common in various recreational sport scenes. And for those people who use frequently and in high doses, harm reduction can make a big difference.
Brazil
Mainline is starting a two-year project in Recife, Brazil, together with LANPUD, and the Free School for Harm Reduction (ELRD). The project aims to expand harm reduction and HIV care and support for young people who use crack cocaine.
Global
The use of drugs during sex is a growing worldwide phenomenon among men who have sex with men (MSM). Mainline has built a unique track record while working in the frontline of the Dutch 'chemsex' scene. Now, we also apply this expertise in an international context.
Zimbabwe
Mainline have been asked to assess the drug scene in five provinces in Zimbabwe. A team of three researchers worked in close collaboration with the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties Drug Network throughout 2022. The goal: to gain an insight into which drugs are commonly used and to recommend health interventions.
Kenya
Women who use drugs in Kenya face violence every day: At home. On the streets. By the police. In their communities. A unique study - conducted in Mombasa, Kenya - sheds light on the tough realities these women encounter. Urgent action is needed.
Zambia
Harm reduction is new in Zambia. Mainline was asked to estimate how many people inject drugs in the country and to map the already existing harm reduction and HIV services for people who use drugs. Based on this information, we drafted practical service guidelines. In doing so, Mainline hopes to have contributed to the introduction of harm reduction in Zambia.
Indonesia
Prisons in Indonesia are overcrowded and health services are limited. Is quality prison health too expensive? Not according to findings from Atma Jaya University, who applied the method of 'economic modelling' to prison health services, including drug dependency programmes. The findings fed important advocacy messages to improve the prison system in 2021. Moreover, Atma Jaya - via a 2021 implementation study - succesfully introduced motivational interviewing into the prison setting: an evidence-based method to assist people who are dependent on drugs and would like to reduce or quit their drug use.
Iran
Iran is renowned for its harm reduction programme. It was one of the first countries in this geographical region to adopt a harm reduction approach. Government supports and funds the programme. But the drug scene in Iran has changed over the past 20 years. More people are using stimulant drugs and, due to economic circumstances, more people who use drugs have become homeless. Mainline sets out to see whether the current programme in Tehran still fits the needs of the local people who use drugs.
South Africa
Women Who Use Drugs face additional problems compared to their male counterparts. The harm reduction field far too often neglects the needs of women. To some extent, the same is true for peer workers: incredibly valuable staff in any impactful service. How can local services make sure that peer workers are valued, supported and living up to their full potential? And how can access for women who use drugs be improved?
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