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, check out the guide below.

🚨 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

mycheckpoint.gr | Phone: 210 33 10 400 (Mon–Sat 12:00–20:00)

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 | Helpline: 1145 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00)

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. The 1145 helpline is for people struggling with drugs or alcohol and their families — free, confidential, anonymous.

OKANA (Organisation Against Drugs)

okana.gr | Nationwide | SOS Helpline: 1031

Greece's national drug policy organisation. Operates harm reduction programmes including needle exchanges and counselling. The 1031 SOS helpline can direct you to local services from anywhere in Greece.

🏥 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

🚨 Overdose & the Law

If someone is unresponsive, not breathing normally, fitting, or has collapsed — call 112 now. Put them in the recovery position if they're breathing, tell the operator what was taken if you know, and stay with them until help arrives. Getting them medical help is the only priority.

Greece does not have a "Good Samaritan" law, meaning the police can technically investigate you for drug possession if they respond to an overdose call. However, emergency medical responders (166 or 112) are there to keep your friend alive, not to act as police. Never let fear of getting in trouble stop you from making the call—a life comes first. Be totally honest with the paramedics about what was taken, as it dictates the life-saving treatment they give.

Related:

Chemsex in Greece — Getting Help