Chemsex is a recognised phenomenon within Italy's gay communities, particularly in Milan and Rome. The Checkpoint network is addressing it more explicitly alongside sexual health work, and help is available without judgment. Italy's drug possession laws criminalise personal use in principle, but health-oriented responses are well-established in practice — seeking medical help for an overdose will not result in prosecution.
For drug mechanics, overdose protocols, and harm reduction principles, see the Chemsex Safety — General Guide.
🚨 Emergency
Call 118 (ambulance) or 112 immediately if someone loses consciousness or cannot be woken after taking G. Put them in the recovery position — on their side, airway clear. Stay with them. Tell the emergency operator what was taken. Time is critical.
🏛️ Support Resources
Milano Checkpoint Via dei Transiti 23, Milan · milanocheckpoint.it
Milano Checkpoint increasingly addresses chemsex as part of its sexual health remit. Staff understand the intersection of drug use, sex, and gay identity, and can refer you to appropriate support services without judgment.
BLQ Checkpoint — Bologna blqcheckpoint.it
Similar approach — non-judgmental, community-run, and able to navigate you to support within the Bologna area.
SERD (Servizio per le Dipendenze — Drug Dependency Services) Italy's public drug treatment services operate within every ASL area. They are free, confidential, and increasingly harm-reduction oriented. They are not LGBTQ+-specific. Ask Arcigay's local chapter whether they know of a SERD with a more affirming reputation in your area before booking cold.
Arcigay arcigay.it
Local chapters across Italy can provide referrals and peer connection for people dealing with substance use alongside LGBTQ+ identity.
⚠️ GHB/GBL Dependency
G is physically addictive.
If you have been dosing around the clock for more than a few weeks, do not stop cold turkey. Sudden GHB/GBL withdrawal can cause seizures, severe delirium, and death. Contact a SERD or present to any Pronto Soccorso and tell them you are a dependent G user at risk of acute withdrawal.
🧠 The Mental Health Dimension
The post-session crash — shame, depression, anxiety — is common, and is often amplified by Italy's Catholic social context and the weight of whatever relationship you have with your own sexuality. Checkpoint teams are experienced with this. Arcigay can connect you with peer support.
See Mental Health in Italy for affirming therapy and crisis resources.
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