Chemsex exists within Riga's gay community. Latvia's drug landscape and the intersection of high HIV prevalence, chemsex, and limited harm reduction resources create a specific risk environment. Mozaika is the primary navigation point for gay and bisexual men seeking non-judgmental support.
The Drug Landscape
GHB / GBL (G) — Present. The most dangerous chemsex drug given the narrow margin between recreational dose and overdose. No antidote.
Crystal meth — Present in some Riga party and sexual contexts.
Amphetamines — More broadly present in Baltic nightlife; appear in some sexual contexts.
Latvia has strict drug laws. Personal possession is illegal. Emergency medical help for overdose should be sought without hesitation — paramedics and emergency doctors prioritise medical care, not prosecution.
GHB Emergency
If someone is unresponsive or can't be woken after taking G:
Call 03 (ambulance) or 112 immediately.
Recovery position — on their side, head tilted to keep airway clear. Do not leave them. Tell emergency services what was taken.
Support Resources
Mozaika mozaika.lv — The most appropriate first contact for gay and bisexual men dealing with substance use in a sexual context. Mozaika provides non-judgmental support and referrals to addiction services. The intersection of chemsex, HIV risk, and LGBTQ+ identity in Latvia's specific context is something Mozaika understands.
LIC harm reduction: LIC (lic.gov.lv) operates some harm reduction services alongside its clinical work. The infectious disease team is experienced with the chemsex-HIV intersection.
Narkoloģijas centrs (Addiction treatment centre) Latvia's public addiction treatment network — Narkoloģijas centrs — operates in Riga and provides counselling and treatment. Not LGBTQ+-specific. Your ģimenes ārsts can refer, or ask Mozaika whether they know of a practitioner who is appropriately non-judgmental.
Harm Reduction
Never use G alone. Always have a sober companion.
Don't mix G with alcohol. Even small amounts massively increase overdose risk.
PrEP during chemsex: If you're on PrEP, keep taking it consistently — chemsex dramatically increases transmission risk. Given Latvia's high HIV prevalence, this matters more here than in many other European countries.
Post-session testing: Get a full STI panel at Testpunkts (HIV/syphilis) and LIC or Gulbja Lab (throat/rectal/urethral swabs) after chemsex sessions. Don't wait for symptoms.