Abstract

This study explores the process and experience of chemsex among six drug users in their 20s and 30s in South Korea, as well as its psychological, physical, and social impacts, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) through in-depth individual interviews. Chemsex refers to the use of specific substances to enhance sexual pleasure. Unlike previous studies that have primarily focused on Men who have sex with men (MSM), this research takes a more inclusive approach by encompassing heterosexual individuals and drug users with diverse sexual orientations in South Korea. Data analysis yielded a total of seven main themes and twenty sub-themes, which are as follows: ‘Low Entry Barriers to Chemsex’, ‘The Dynamics of Chemsex Pleasure’, ‘Chemsex: Intensified Experiences of Extreme Pleasure and Addiction’, ‘Complex Challenges Experienced During Chemsex’, ‘Self-Destructive Consequences of Chemsex’, ‘Safety Mechanisms for Sustaining Pleasure’, ‘The Aftereffects of Intense Pleasure’. This study sheds light on the intricate interactions between drug use and sexual behavior among young drug users in South Korea, emphasizing the ambivalence, isolation, and psychological and physical difficulties within the cycle of addiction. The insights from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted effects of drug use, including chemsex, on individuals. Furthermore, they provide a foundation for researchers and practitioners to explore this topic from a more open and comprehensive perspective.