Chemsex exists within Riga's gay community. Latvia's combination of high HIV prevalence, chemsex, and limited harm reduction resources creates a specific risk environment. 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.
For drug mechanics, overdose protocols, and harm reduction principles, check out the guide below.
Emergency
Call 03 (ambulance) or 112 immediately if someone is unresponsive or can't be woken after taking G. 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. 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 (lic.gov.lv) Operates 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 — operates in Riga. 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.
The HIV Context
Latvia has high HIV prevalence — PrEP matters more here than in many other European countries. If you're on PrEP, keep taking it consistently during chemsex periods.
After sessions, get a full STI panel at Testpunkts (HIV/syphilis) and LIC or Gulbja Lab (throat/rectal/urethral swabs). Don't wait for symptoms.
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