Support for chemsex issues collapses after closure of Stichting Mainline

The closure of Stichting Mainline has created a significant void in support services for individuals in Amsterdam dealing with chemsex-related issues. Healthcare and prevention organizations, represented by the Amsterdam Chemsex Overleg, have issued an urgent warning to the municipality, highlighting that the loss of Mainline's accessible, low-threshold care has left a vulnerable population without adequate support. While institutions like Jellinek are seeing increased demand, experts note that the disappearance of Mainline's specialized and non-judgmental approach makes it harder for individuals to seek help before problems escalate.

Chemsex, which involves the use of drugs to intensify sexual experiences, often results in severe health risks including dependency and overdose. Amsterdam, which reports higher rates of problematic chemsex usage than the rest of the Netherlands, is considered a focal point for this crisis. Local advocates and experts are now urging the city to prioritize structural prevention and care to better address the intersecting taboos of drug use and LGBTQ+ identity, ensuring that those in need do not fall through the cracks.