Chemsex is present in Athens's gay scene. While harm reduction infrastructure is still developing, vital 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

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