Addiction experts in Malaga have warned of a growing rise in chemsex cases across the province, linking the trend to dating apps, geolocation platforms and increased availability of synthetic drugs.
According to Juan Jesus Ruiz, director of Malaga’s Provincial Drug Dependency Centre (CPD), the phenomenon has become increasingly visible in consultations in recent years, particularly since the pandemic.
Chemsex refers to the use of drugs to prolong or intensify sexual activity, often over many hours or even days.
The practice is commonly associated with substances such as mephedrone, methamphetamine and GHB.
‘Malaga, largely because of places like Torremolinos, together with Sevilla, is one of the main hotspots in Andalucia,’ Ruiz told Malaga Hoy.
‘Cases are still relatively few in consultations – around 50 last year – but there are many more happening outside the healthcare system.’
The centre currently treats around 4,300 active patients dealing with addictions, with between 800 and 1,000 new patients entering treatment each year.
Ruiz explained that chemsex cases often involve a very different profile to traditional addiction patients.
‘These are generally people aged between 35 and 48, often with university education, financially stable jobs and belonging mainly to the LGBT community,’ he said.
The expert linked the rise partly to increased use of contact and geolocation apps during and after Covid lockdowns, which he says intensified opportunities for this type of behaviour.
Malaga’s international and cosmopolitan nature also plays a role, according to Ruiz.
‘We are heavily influenced both by the number of people arriving and by the amount of substances entering from elsewhere,’ he explained.
‘In Malaga the most commonly used substance is mephedrone, while in places like Barcelona methamphetamine is more common. It often depends on availability.’
Despite growing concern around chemsex, Ruiz said alcohol and cocaine remain the most common addictions treated in the province, followed by cannabis and opioids.
However, he warned that behavioural addictions are also becoming increasingly common, particularly gambling and excessive use of screens and technology.
‘In young people – and not only young people – dependence on screens is incredible,’ he said.
The CPD, which has now been operating for 40 years, says it focuses on personalised treatment adapted to each patient’s circumstances, environment and vulnerability.
Ruiz stressed that addiction should be treated as a chronic condition, with relapses considered part of the recovery process.
‘We talk less about ‘cure’ and more about periods free from consumption,’ he explained.
The centre is marking its 40th anniversary this month with events, exhibitions and activities at La Termica dedicated to addiction awareness, prevention and recovery.
