Enhancing Drugs: Chemsex

In a society that seems to encourage us to be more, buy more, and do more of everything, let us examine the role enhancing drugs play in many people’s lives. In this unique webinar series, we delve into drugs that can increase our performance in sex, expand our cognitive capabilities, and even alter our very anatomy. We will explore a variety of commonly used substances and reflect on what people are pursuing through their use; the perceived benefits, the significant risks, and the role of psychiatry and healthcare professionals in caring for people using drugs.

We set off on 24 January with Chemsex, we will continue on 13 March with Drugs that Enhance Cognition and on 20 May with Image Enhancing Drugs.

For our first episode on ChemSex, Professor Fabrizio Schifano will discuss the psychopharmacology and addictive aspects of ChemSex. Dr Stiofán Hatton examines the phenomenon of chemsex through lens of sexuality and its health and social consequences. Dr Bradley Hillier will address minority stress and the necessary response from both justice and non-justice sectors. The event is designed and chaired by Dr Stefania Bonaccorso. 

Professor Fabrizio Schifano; MD, FRCPsych, Dip Psychiatry, Dip Clin Pharmacology

Professor Schifano is one of the very few physicians in Europe with training and specialist qualifications in both (clinical) pharmacology and psychiatry. Outstanding contribution has been made to several (e.g. mainly clinical) areas, including the identification of those physiopathological alterations which are making the individuals prone to developing either a substance or a behavioural addiction. This knowledge is of crucial relevance in identifying possible treatment and management approaches which are properly tailored to these very vulnerable clients’ needs. Over the years, he has developed skills in a range of areas, including: Treatment and management of substance-based and non-substance-based addiction in both clinical and neurobiological terms. 

Dr Bradley Hillier

Dr Bradley Hillier is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist with an interest in addiction psychiatry and LGBTQ+ mental health. He is also an advisor to the Metropolitan Police and HMPPS on Chemsex and Mental Health having developed expertise in the interface between people who use crystal meth and GHB/GBL as they interact with various services, including the criminal justice system. He is the visiting Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist to the States of Jersey, Channel Islands, the Vice-Chair of the London Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, an expert advisor in mental health to the United Nations, and an expert advisor to the Committee for the Prevention of Torture at the Council of Europe.

Dr Stiofán Mac Giolla Catháin (Dr Stephen Hatton)

Dr Stiofán Mac Giolla Catháin is a SAS Dr in HIV medicine and sexual health working in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolich. He has worked in Ireland and the UK and has cared for people who use chems in his previous role at 56 Dean Street, Soho, and in his current post. As a member of the queer community, he has both professional and personal perspectives on the phenomenon of sexualised drug use and wishes to promote inter-specialty dialogue and a multidisciplinary approach to caring for people using chems.

The events team reserves the right to change the programme without prior notice.

This event is taking place online via Zoom. To take part you will need:

• access to a reliable internet connection
• a PC, laptop, tablet or phone
• Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser or Zoom installed on your PC, laptop, tablet or phone.

Please note: It is up to the participant to ensure that they have the correct requirements in place prior to booking the event.

Joining instructions for the event will be sent out the week of the event.

Please kindly note, all sessions will be recorded and the recording made available within two weeks of the event.

We would encourage those who register to attend on the day of the event, should they wish to ask questions to our speakers.

All recordings are sent out to delegates via email to the email address used at the time of registering. If you are unsure whether your email address is up to date, please update this via your membership account. 

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• Event Cancellation Policy
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