The Netherlands has the most developed chemsex harm reduction infrastructure of any country covered in this app — largely because of Amsterdam's position as a European party destination and the Dutch tradition of pragmatic drug policy. If you're dealing with chemsex in the Netherlands, you have more support options than almost anywhere else.
The Drug Landscape
Crystal meth (crystal, tina) — Significant presence in Amsterdam's gay scene. High dependence potential.
GHB / GBL (G) — Very widely used in Dutch gay party and sexual culture. The most medically dangerous chemsex drug.
Mephedrone (mef, M-CAT) — Present.
Cocaine — Common across nightlife, present in sexual contexts.
MDMA — Widespread in Dutch party culture broadly; appears in some sexual contexts.
The Netherlands has a pragmatic drug policy — personal possession of small amounts is formally illegal but de facto tolerated for most substances. This facilitates help-seeking without fear of prosecution, which is a genuine public health advantage.
GHB Emergency
GHB overdose is the most common chemsex emergency in Amsterdam.
Call 112 immediately if someone is unresponsive or cannot be woken.
Recovery position. Stay with them. Tell the operator what was taken. Amsterdam's emergency services are experienced with GHB overdoses — this is not an unusual call.
Support Resources
GGD Amsterdam — Chemsex GGD Amsterdam has a specific chemsex support programme. Contact via ggdamsterdam.nl or the Soa Poli (020 555 5822) and ask specifically about chemsex support or the "Chemsex consult." This is one of the most comprehensive gay-specific chemsex support services in Europe.
Mainline Foundation mainline.nl — Amsterdam-based harm reduction organisation with specific expertise in chemsex. Provides practical harm reduction information, anonymous and non-judgmental. One of the best resources in Europe.
Jellinek (addiction treatment) jellinek.nl — Amsterdam's main addiction treatment centre. Specific LGBTQ+ services and understanding of the chemsex context. Both outpatient and intensive treatment options.
Man tot Man / Manman manman.nl — Soa Aids Nederland's platform for gay and bisexual men includes chemsex-specific information, harm reduction guidance, and links to support.
Unity (harm reduction at events) Operates at many Amsterdam venues and events — drug checking services, harm reduction information.
Harm Reduction
Never use G alone. The most important rule. GHB overdose happens without warning and requires immediate physical intervention.
Don't mix G with alcohol. Even a small amount dramatically increases overdose risk.
Drug checking: The Netherlands has some of Europe's best drug checking services (via Unity and some GGD outreach). If you're uncertain about a substance, get it checked.
PrEP during chemsex: If you're on PrEP, don't skip doses — chemsex creates exactly the conditions for HIV transmission. If you're not on PrEP, see PrEP Access in the Netherlands.
Post-session testing: Test quarterly minimum — throat, anal, and urethral swabs plus blood — at the GGD Soa Poli or via your huisarts.