Towards a continuum of care concerning chemsex issues

Abstract

In response to the apparent rise in chemsex in the Netherlands Mainline Foundation interviewed 27 MSM about their crystal meth use and/or experience with injecting in a sexual context. These men were interviewed about their motivation for methamphetamine use, their sexual risk-taking behaviour, methods and context of their drug use, and their information- and care needs. In 2015 this resulted in the status report Tina and Slamming: MSM, Crystal Meth Use and Intravenous Drug Use in a Sexual Context. Following the publication of this report Mainline foundation has been offering harm-reduction intervention for MSM and promoting the development of a continuum of care by building networks, training professionals and investing in advocacy. In our view, a continuum of care means the availability of a sufficient level of qualitative and effective preventive interventions, harm reduction services and treatment facilities that are connected, can track and intervene in the ‘lifecycle’ of individual drug use, and are easily accessible by the target group. This case study describes the various interventions of Mainline foundation, that make up their continuum of care approach concerning chemsex issues.