India's Narcotics Control Bureau warns of rising chemsex trend among youth

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has alerted parents, educators and law‑enforcement agencies to a growing “chemsex” trend among young people on social media and dating apps. Chemsex involves the intentional use of psycho‑active substances – such as crystal methamphetamine, gamma‑hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma‑butyrolactone (GBL) and mephedrone – to enhance or prolong sexual activity.

Health experts say the practice carries serious risks, including overdose, dependence, cardiovascular complications, psychological distress and a heightened chance of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The NCB cautioned that digital platforms can be misused to procure drugs and arrange private meet‑ups. Parents are urged to watch for behavioural changes, academic decline, mood swings, unexplained financial demands and signs of intoxication such as enlarged pupils, bloodshot eyes or loss of coordination, and to seek professional help when needed.