Chemsex is present in Athens's gay scene, though less openly discussed than in larger Western European cities. The harm reduction infrastructure is less developed than in Germany or France, but services do exist.
For drug mechanics, overdose protocols, and harm reduction principles, see Chemsex: The Clinical Guide.
Emergency
Call 166 (EKAB — ambulance) or 112. If someone is unresponsive or breathing irregularly after taking GHB/GBL: put them in the recovery position (πλαϊνή θέση ασφαλείας), call 166 or 112 immediately, stay with them, and be honest with emergency responders about what was taken.
Support 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 judgment. If you're looking for a gay-affirming first point of contact for chemsex support, start here. Also your best route to PEP within 72 hours — referral to Syggros.
KETHEA (Therapeutic Community for Drug Users)
kethea.gr | Multiple Athens locations
Greece's main network of drug addiction treatment organisations. Not gay-specific but professional and non-judgmental. Individual counselling and psychotherapy, group programmes, outpatient and residential options, harm reduction services. Contact via their website for the nearest programme.
OKANA (Organisation Against Drugs)
okana.gr | Nationwide
Greece's national drug policy organisation. Operates harm reduction programmes including needle exchanges and counselling. Can direct you to local services.
Getting Help With Drug Use
- KETHEA — self-referral possible, no judgment, multiple service types
- Your GP (Γενικός Ιατρός) — can refer to KETHEA or addiction services
- 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