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ChemSex First Aid

Below is a link to the full ChemSex First Aid PDF document created by David Stuart together with the CEO of Controlling ChemSex in the UK

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GHB/G overdose or passing out

The core danger is that people who fall asleep on G can stop breathing, and nearly all G-related deaths happen during a "G-sleep" — the site notes someone in London dies from this roughly every month. So: keep the person safe from injury, and try to wake and keep them awake rather than letting them "sleep it off." Call an ambulance if breathing drops below 8 breaths a minute, if they can't be roused, or if they're having a seizure. Tell paramedics what was taken, how much, and when, if you know. Don't induce vomiting (aspiration risk), don't give more drugs or stimulants to "counteract" it, and don't give liquids unless the person is conscious and asking for them.

Having a psychotic episode yourself

Early warning signs the site lists: feeling self-conscious or unwelcome, over-analyzing what people mean, anxiety replacing enjoyment of the high, or obsessive thoughts (about erections, texts, appearance, past trauma, etc.). If it starts, get somewhere you feel safe (home if possible), stop taking more, and try to distract yourself — music, cleaning, a podcast, eating, a hot drink. Turning off phone/laptop is recommended since technology often triggers or worsens the anxious spiral. Call 999 if you feel in real danger, even while high.

Lodged Objects

If something is stuck and hours have passed without success removing it, go to A&E (not a GP) — they have the right equipment. Go immediately if there's abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, or fever, or if the object could break or cause internal damage.

Meth/mephedrone overdose

Unlike a G-high, people are usually alert but can become manic, panicked, or feel invincible, which can lead to risky behavior. Don't give more drugs (including sedatives like G or Valium) to counteract it. Keep them safe in the environment, and call an ambulance if their behavior becomes unsafe to themselves or others. Same consent guidance applies as above.

Helping someone else through a psychotic episode

Do: stay calm, speak slowly and gently, listen without judgment, use their name, ask what would help, focus on their feelings rather than the literal content, and take any safety-related statements seriously.
Don't: argue with their reality, rationalize with them, touch them without permission, use sarcasm, dismiss or laugh off their concerns, confirm the psychosis, or make decisions for them.

Priapism (prolonged erection)

Usually linked to combining ED drugs (Viagra, Caverject) with chems during long sessions. May resolve on its own within 2 hours — things that can help: stopping porn/changing the mood, urinating, a warm bath, drinking water, gentle exercise, paracetamol. Avoid ice/cold water, sex/masturbation, alcohol, and smoking. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if the erection lasts more than 2 hours unstimulated, since delayed treatment risks permanent damage. Hospital treatment options include medication, needle drainage under local anesthetic, or surgery.

Resources

David Stuart and Ignacio Labayen de Inza, ChemSex First Aid PDF, https://controllingchemsex.com/tips-and-information/information/first-aid

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