If you are engaging in chemsex and need support, harm reduction advice, or help managing your drug use, Malta has confidential, LGBTIQ+-friendly services available.
⚖️ Legal Context: Drug Possession
Malta takes a health-focused, decriminalisation approach to personal drug use under the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act.
- Decriminalisation: Possession of small quantities of illicit drugs for personal use is an administrative offence, not a criminal one. First-time offenders typically face a fine from the Commissioner for Justice, not prison time or a criminal record.
- Rehabilitation: Repeat offenders may be referred to the Drug Offenders Rehabilitation Board (DORB) for mandatory treatment and support.
- Chemsex Substances: While possession for personal use avoids prison, substances associated with chemsex (methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB/GBL) remain controlled and illegal. Selling or sharing drugs is still prosecuted as a criminal offence.
🚑 Emergency Help
- Medical Emergency: If someone collapses, becomes unresponsive, or overheats, call an ambulance on 112. Paramedics are there to save lives, not to enforce drug laws. Be honest about what substances were taken.
- Sedqa 24/7 Helpline: Call 151. Sedqa is the national agency against drug and alcohol abuse.
🤝 Local Support Services
| Organisation | What they offer | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Support Service (MGRM) | Free, confidential psycho-social support by social workers and counsellors specialising in LGBTIQ+ issues, including chemsex and drug use. | +356 7943 0006 (WhatsApp) support@maltagayrights.org |
| Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) | Community networking and awareness. They can connect you with local peer support and resources. | +356 9927 2999 info@arc.org.mt |
| GU Clinic (Mater Dei) | Non-judgemental STI/HIV testing, PrEP, and PEP. Essential if you are engaging in high-risk sex. | +356 2545 7491 |
| Sedqa | The national agency providing structured addiction treatment, counselling, and medically supervised withdrawal. | 151 (Helpline) |
| Caritas Malta | Offers rehabilitation programmes, counselling, and support groups for individuals struggling with substance dependence. | +356 2590 6600 |
📉 Harm Reduction Basics
If you choose to use drugs:
- Do not share needles or snorting equipment. Malta does not have a publicly accessible needle exchange programme — if you inject, use a new needle every time and dispose of sharps safely. Sedqa (151) can advise on obtaining sterile equipment.
- GHB/GBL is highly dose-sensitive. Measure exactly using a syringe, never mix it with alcohol or other depressants, and track your doses. (See the general GHB/GBL Guide).
- Maintain your PrEP or HIV treatment. Set phone alarms to ensure you do not miss doses during long sessions.
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