Romania has high social stigma around both homosexuality and drug use, limited LGBTQ+-specific harm reduction resources, and a criminal justice approach to drugs — this is different from Portugal or some other EU countries. Personal drug use is illegal and possession can result in prosecution. However, healthcare providers and ARAS are bound by confidentiality; your conversations with them cannot be used against you criminally. Romania also has one of the highest HIV rates in the EU, which makes PrEP adherence during chemsex more important here than in most European countries.

First Contact: ARAS

ARAS Checkpoint: aras.ro / 021 252 43 70 Str. Candiano Popescu 26A, Sector 4, Bucharest

ARAS staff are the most appropriate first point of contact for chemsex concerns. Trained in harm reduction, working with gay and bisexual men in non-judgmental settings. They can discuss your situation confidentially, provide harm reduction information, help you access STI testing, refer to addiction specialists, and advise on PrEP adherence.

ARAS also operates a needle exchange (call 021 252 43 70).

Emergency

112 — ambulance. Matei Balș Camera de Gardă: 021 201 09 80 (24h, for PEP or overdose follow-up).

If someone becomes unresponsive: call 112 immediately. You don't need to specify what they took to get an ambulance — say they have lost consciousness. Tell paramedics what was taken when they arrive; they need this to treat effectively.

GHB/GBL

Never mix GHB/GBL with alcohol — this combination kills. Space doses at least 2–3 hours apart. If someone becomes unresponsive, call 112 immediately.

HIV and STI Risk

Romania's elevated HIV rates make regular testing after chemsex episodes essential. Test for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia after every significant episode. Request three-site swabs: throat (exsudat faringian), rectum (exsudat anal), urethra (exsudat uretral). Keep PrEP consistent — missing doses during chemsex sessions reduces protection.

If You Want Help Reducing or Stopping

ARAS (021 252 43 70) — first contact; confidential; will not judge
Your medic de familie — can refer to psihiatrie or addiction services; bound by confidentiality regarding drug use
ACCEPT Romania (021 252 28 14) — support around the identity dimensions of chemsex for gay and bisexual men
Ambulatoriu de Psihiatrie — outpatient psychiatry at public hospitals; requires a medic de familie referral; free with CNAS

PrEP During Chemsex

Daily PrEP maintains protection during extended sessions if doses are taken consistently. If you miss doses, assess the risk exposure and consider PEP if the exposure was significant. If you use on-demand PrEP (2+1+1), the pre-sex doses must actually be taken — harder to manage during spontaneous sessions. ARAS can advise on which PrEP approach fits your pattern of use.