Chemsex (PnP)

What does PnP mean?

Party and play (PnP) refers to using drugs to enhance sexual experiences and frequently appears in the LGBTQ+ dating and hookup scene. You might also hear it called HnH (high and horny) or chemsex. These encounters can involve long sessions (hours to days), multiple and/or anonymous partners, and sometimes higher-risk behaviors like condomless sex. Slamsex refers specifically to injecting drugs (slamming) during these encounters.

PnP can increase the risk of overdose, dependence, and sexually transmitted infections. Staying informed while you cruise the apps can help protect your health and boundaries.

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App awareness

Some people use coded language or emojis on apps to signal interest in PnP:

Diamond or snowflake emoji

Puff cloud or party emojis

Rocketship emoji or NASA references

Random CapiTal leTTers hinTinG at substances

“Party” used in a sexual context

Terms like “point” or “slamming”

Common PnP substances

Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, ice, tina): A powerful, long-acting stimulant that can increase energy, confidence, and libido.
Ketamine (Special K, ket): A dissociative drug that can cause detachment from the body and distort perception.
MDMA (molly, ecstasy, x, e): A stimulant and entactogen that increases energy and can enhance feelings of connection and emotional openness.
Cocaine (coke, blow, powder, soft): A short-acting stimulant that can boost energy, alertness, and euphoria.
Poppers (rush, jungle juice, liquid gold): Inhalants made from nitrites that cause a brief rush, muscle relaxation, and lowered inhibitions.
GHB / GBL (G, liquid ecstasy): Depressants that can produce relaxation and euphoria but carry a high risk of overdose, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra): ED meds are sometimes used to enhance or sustain sexual performance during PnP. When combined with substances like poppers or other stimulants, they can place extra strain on the heart and blood pressure, increasing health risks.

Many of these substances can be highly addictive. Regular use can make it harder to feel good or in control without them. Learn more about these substances at substanceusephilly.com/partydrugs

Stay safer

Don’t share snorting tools, smoke kits, or injection supplies to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other infections.
Keep naloxone nearby. There is a risk that substances may contain opioids (such as fentanyl) or other adulterants. Having naloxone accessible can help reverse a potential opioid overdose if exposure occurs.
In an emergency, call 911. In Pennsylvania, you are protected under the Good Samaritan Law (Act 139 of 2014, "Drug Overdose Response Immunity Act") and will not get in trouble with the police.

Test your supply! Get free fentanyl, xylazine, and medetomidine test strips, naloxone & more at substanceusephilly.com/get-supplies

Protect yourself

Establish consent. Talk about boundaries, expectations, and protection use beforehand.
Get tested and expect partners to do the same. Don’t rely only on their reported STI status. Recent infections can still test negative (it takes about two weeks for infections like chlamydia to show up on a urine screening), and not everyone tests regularly.
Correct and consistent condom use reduces the risk of transmitting HIV and many STIs.
PrEP helps prevent HIV before exposure when taken as prescribed.
PEP can reduce HIV risk after exposure, if started within 72 hours of a sexual encounter.
DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of some bacterial STIs, like chlamydia and syphilis.

Regular testing keeps you informed and in control: Find free at-home and in-person testing and resouces for PrEP, PEP and DoxyPEP at PhillyKeepOnLoving.com.

Think you were exposed to HIV? Don’t worry, just hurry. There's a medication to prevent HIV, if started within 72 hours. Call the 24/7 PEP Hotline: 833-933-2815.

Get PrEP with TelePrEP or find a PrEP provider near you. PrEP is a pill or shot that prevents HIV. PrEP is for people of all genders and bodies.