Chemsex support infrastructure in New Zealand is smaller than in Australia's major cities, but real options exist. Services are non-judgmental, and the sexual health and LGBTQ+ organisations in Auckland in particular have experience with gay men's drug use in sexual contexts.
For drug mechanics, overdose protocols, harm reduction, and the post-session checklist, see Chemsex: The Clinical Guide first.
Emergency
111 — for overdose, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, or suspected GHB/GBL overdose. Do not wait.
Note on GHB/GBL: G overdose can cause unconsciousness within minutes of ingestion. If someone collapses after taking G, call 111 immediately, put them in the recovery position, and stay with them. Do not leave them alone.
Note on the Good Samaritan provisions: New Zealand's Health and Safety framework does not penalise people who call emergency services for another person in a drug emergency. Fear of consequences should not stop you calling an ambulance.
Auckland
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
The Burnett Foundation understands the specific intersection of chemsex and gay men's sexual health. While not a dedicated drug treatment service, they can provide referral to appropriate support and ensure your sexual health care takes your full context into account.
Tel: (09) 303 3124 Website: burnettfoundation.org.nz
Body Positive
Auckland-based support for people living with HIV. Many gay men in Auckland's chemsex-connected communities come through Body Positive, and the organisation has experience supporting people navigating substance use alongside HIV care.
Website: bodypositive.org.nz
Auckland Sexual Health Service
Clinicians here are experienced with chemsex presentations. If you're attending for testing or PrEP and drug use in sexual contexts is part of your pattern, mention it — you can get appropriate referrals and ensure your test panel includes hepatitis C serology (elevated risk in chemsex contexts).
Wellington
OUTLine NZ: 0800 688 5463 (6pm–9pm daily)
Not a chemsex-specific service, but staffed by people who understand LGBTQ+ life. Can provide support and referral to local resources.
Wellington Sexual Health Clinic
As with Auckland, clinical staff at the Wellington sexual health clinic are experienced with chemsex presentations. Mention your context and ask for an appropriate referral.
National Resources
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 (24/7, free)
Not LGBTQ+-specific, but professional and non-judgmental. Available nationwide around the clock for telephone support and referral to local treatment services.
Website: alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Odyssey House (Auckland)
Residential and community drug and alcohol treatment. Not LGBTQ+-specific, but professional.
Tel: (09) 281 4406 Website: odyssey.org.nz
Need to Talk / 1737 (24/7, free)
Text or call 1737 for a brief counselling conversation. For someone in distress post-session or navigating guilt and shame around their use, this is a useful immediate option.
Testing After Chemsex
Chemsex typically involves multiple partners, which makes three-site testing essential — throat, rectal, and urethral testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, plus HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C serology.
Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C transmission is elevated in chemsex contexts due to blood contact during rough sex or equipment sharing. If chemsex is part of your pattern, always include hepatitis C in your blood panel. Hep C is now curable in 8–12 weeks with direct-acting antivirals available in New Zealand.
See: Testing in New Zealand: Clinics and Online Options
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