Jorge Flores-Aranda is a professor in the School of Social Work at the Université du Québec à Montréal. He holds the Canada Research Chair TRADIS (Trajectories, Diversity, and Substances). He is interested in the links between substance use and sexuality and works in close collaboration with community-based organizations

Background: Chemsex is well documented among gay and bisexual men and trans and non-binary people, particularly regarding the motivations behind this practice, its potential health consequences, and the services available for those who engage in chemsex. Minority stress theory has been widely used in studies of substance use among sexual and gender minorities. However, these communities also possess strengths that must be mobilized in inclusive harm reduction interventions.
Objective: The objectives of this presentation are to describe the strengths that individuals who practice chemsex identify in themselves and to analyze these results according to the Community Strengths Model proposed by Perrin et al. (2020).
Methodology: We conducted a study based on a community-based research approach. Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 90 minutes were conducted with 64 sexually and gender-diverse individuals practicing chemsex. A thematic analysis was subsequently performed.
Results: Participants in our study described several strengths among individuals who practice chemsex, including a sense of community and solidarity. These communities facilitate the sharing of information on safe substance use and provide advice on managing post-consumption periods. Some participants reported having developed a supportive network within chemsex communities, which offers a sense of security. Even those who have stopped engaging in chemsex recognized these strengths within the communities. Although they have ceased participating, they acknowledge the importance of recognizing these strengths to develop effective harm reduction interventions for chemsex users.
Conclusion: Individuals who practice chemsex informally develop and share harm reduction strategies. Highlighting the sense of community among these individuals is crucial, as it fosters harm reduction and promotes overall well-being. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations should actively engage with these communities to develop tailored harm reduction strategies. Additionally, integrating the perspectives of individuals who practice chemsex into broader public health initiatives is essential for effective intervention.