Portugal's Unique Context

Portugal is one of the few countries in the world where personal drug use has been decriminalised since 2001. Possession of small amounts for personal use results in a referral to a Comissão para a Dissuasão da Toxicodependência (CDT), not criminal prosecution. You will not be arrested or charged simply for possessing drugs you use personally.

This matters for harm reduction. Be honest with healthcare providers — they are legally and ethically prohibited from reporting personal drug use to police.

Emergency

Call 112 immediately if someone becomes unresponsive or cannot be roused. Tell the paramedics exactly what was taken — they cannot help effectively without this information, and personal drug use is decriminalised.

First Contact: GAT and CheckpointLX

CheckpointLX (Lisbon): checkpointlx.org / 218 870 025 GAT Porto: gat.pt

GAT staff have specific training in chemsex harm reduction. They can talk through your situation without judgment, offer harm reduction information specific to the drugs being used, help you access STI and HIV testing, refer to specialist support if you want to reduce or stop, and advise on PrEP adherence strategies during chemsex.

Specialist Support Services

SICAD / CAD (Centros de Aconselhamento e Detecção) Portugal's public addiction and harm reduction services — contact through the Linha Vida. Operate under the decriminalisation framework: needle exchanges, counselling, and residential treatment referrals.

Linha Vida Phone: 1414 — 24 hours, free. The national drug information and support line. Staff are not police and cannot report you.

APDES / Projeto GAT Non-governmental harm reduction projects with mobile outreach in Lisbon and Porto, including some specifically oriented toward nightlife and gay/bisexual venues. Ask GAT staff about current projects.

ILGA Portugal Phone: 213 873 918 — Psychological support team experienced with gay and bisexual men dealing with chemsex-related distress, including shame, relationship difficulties, and dependency concerns.

If You Want to Reduce or Stop

  • GAT/CheckpointLX — first contact for referrals, non-judgmental, will identify the right specialist service
  • ILGA Portugal — for the identity and relationship dimensions
  • Your Médico de Família — can refer to a psiquiatra or psicólogo and to addiction services; bound by confidentiality
  • CAD / SICAD services — for formal addiction assessment and support