Chemsex is present in Athens's gay scene, though less openly discussed than in larger Western European cities. The harm reduction infrastructure in Greece is less developed than in Germany or France, but services do exist. Here's what's available and what to do.

The Chemsex Landscape in Greece

Common drugs in chemsex contexts in Greece:

  • GHB/GBL (G) — widely used; overdose risk is significant with GHB's narrow dosing margin
  • Crystal methamphetamine (Tina) — present in the Athens scene, though less common than in Berlin
  • Mephedrone — present
  • MDMA — party and sexual contexts
  • Poppers (amyl nitrite) — legal, widely used

If It's an Emergency

Call 166 (EKAB — ambulance) or 112. If someone is unresponsive, cannot be woken, or breathing irregularly after taking GHB/GBL:

  • Put them in the recovery position (πλαϊνή θέση ασφαλείας)
  • Call 166 or 112 immediately
  • Stay with them — do not leave the person alone
  • Be honest with emergency responders about what was taken

Support Services

KETHEA (Therapeutic Community for Drug Users)

kethea.gr | Multiple Athens locations Greece's main network of drug addiction treatment organisations. KETHEA is not gay-specific but is professional, experienced, and non-judgemental. Services include:

  • Individual counselling and psychotherapy for substance use
  • Group programmes
  • Outpatient and residential options
  • Harm reduction services

Contact via their website for the nearest programme to you in Athens or other Greek cities.

OKANA (Organisation Against Drugs)

okana.gr | Nationwide Greece's national drug policy organisation. OKANA operates harm reduction programmes including needle exchanges and counselling. Can direct you to local services.

Ath Checkpoint — Harm Reduction Navigation

athcheckpoint.gr Ath Checkpoint staff understand the chemsex context in Athens's gay community and can connect you with appropriate services without judgement. If you're looking for a gay-affirming first point of contact for chemsex support, start here.

Harm Reduction

For GHB/GBL:

  • Never mix with alcohol — the combination significantly increases overdose risk
  • Track doses carefully — the gap between recreational and overdose dose is narrow
  • Never use alone
  • Know the emergency procedure: recovery position, 166/112

For crystal meth:

  • Extended chemsex sessions create significantly elevated HIV and STI risk
  • PrEP must be taken consistently — phone alarms help during sessions
  • Plan for the post-session crash — arrange support in advance

For all drugs:

  • PrEP remains effective but must be taken consistently
  • Regular three-monthly testing is essential during periods of drug use in sexual contexts
  • If you've had a potential HIV exposure, PEP is available at Syggros within 72 hours

Getting Help With Drug Use

If drug use has become problematic:

  • KETHEA — self-referral possible, no judgement. Multiple service types.
  • Your GP (Γενικός Ιατρός) — can refer to KETHEA or addiction services without disclosing your sexual history unless you choose to
  • Syggros Hospital social work — if you're already connected to Syggros for sexual health, the social work team can assist with addiction referrals
  • EOPYY covers addiction treatment through the public system with medical referral

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