From Euphoria to Emergency: The Chemsex Crisis, with Dr Bradley Hillier

In this special Pride episode of the RCPsych Podcast, we sit down with Dr Bradley Hillier, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HumanMind Health. With over two decades of experience in trauma, addiction, and LGBTQ+ mental health, Dr Hillier brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to a conversation that is as urgent as it is overdue.

Together, we explore the chemsex crisis, a complex and often hidden issue affecting many in the LGBTQ+ community. From the initial allure of disinhibition and connection to the devastating consequences of overdose, psychosis, and suicide, this episode goes beyond the headlines to examine the deeper forces at play: trauma, shame, minority stress, and the systemic gaps in care.

We discuss why chemsex has become such a critical public health concern, the barriers that prevent people from seeking help, and what effective, compassionate support can and should look like. We also reflect on the role of institutions, from healthcare providers to dating apps, in either perpetuating harm or becoming part of the solution.

This is a sobering but hopeful conversation, one that honours the complexity of chemsex, the resilience of those affected, and the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive, and trauma-informed care.

🔗 Resources:

Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support - https://londonfriend.org.uk/antidote/ Terence Higgins Trust - https://www.tht.org.uk/get-help/support-services/lets-talk-about-chemsex?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=365455812&gbraid=0AAAAADqE5LTRex_CnCIf2geu1V3uSh7ob&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4adP-iVa0EmsE3-tMxQ_9NWSeMt5j3DBRKovugHWb5DA3Ji7U98T_saAkJcEALw_wcB LGBT Foundation - https://lgbt.foundation/help/chemsex-support-and-advice/