To strengthen the professional competences of educators, healthcare professionals, and guidance staff in addressing chemsex and sex addiction.

To increase understanding of the connection between substance use, sexual behaviour, and physical, mental, and social well-being.

To improve professionals’ ability to identify warning signs and risk factors related to chemsex and sex addiction.

To introduce effective assessment and screening tools for use in professional practice.

To build knowledge of intervention approaches such as harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

To improve cooperation and referral pathways among professionals and support services.

To develop a practical guideline on enhancing professional competences in addressing chemsex and sex addiction.

Activities

1. Understanding ChemSex and Sex Addiction – Focus Group

– Exploring the intersection of substance use and sexual behaviour and its impact on physical, mental, and social well-being.

– Held in Istanbul, Türkiye on August 2025 with 2 specialists from each country participating.

2. Design of the Guideline

Preparing the Guideline for Enhancing Professional Competencies in Addressing ChemSex and Sex Addiction, based on all knowledge and materials gathered during the activity. It includes:

a. Assessment and Screening Tools: Introducing validated tools such as questionnaires and interviews to identify risk factors, signs, and symptoms of problematic behaviour.

b. Intervention Strategies: Presenting approaches such as harm reduction, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and other therapeutic methods.

c. Referral Pathways and Collaborative Care: Exploring how to establish referral systems and cooperate with professionals, treatment centres, local services, and peer support groups.

d. Case Studies and Role-Playing Exercises: Using interactive practical exercises to help participants apply knowledge in realistic situations and improve response skills.

Results

Increased awareness and knowledge of chemsex and sex addiction among participating professionals.

Improved capacity to assess and respond to the needs of affected individuals.

Better understanding of practical intervention strategies and support methods.

Stronger skills in using case-based and real-life approaches through role plays and focus group work.

Improved cross-sector cooperation between professionals and relevant support services.

A jointly developed guideline to support future professional work and learning in this field.

A stronger foundation for the later activities of the project and its wider impact on communities.