Research

Research in Party and Play (PnP) takes the reader, clinicians, policymakers, researchers into implementation science to understand the phenomena of PnP in sub-cultures of gay, bi, men who have sex with men (GBMSM), including cisgender and transgender men. The various articles on PnP research explore the PnP user’s biopsychosocial and impact of homo/bi/transphobia, stigma, attitudes, beliefs, and mental, emotional, and physical health effects on GBMSM.

Readers will explore the role of trauma from criminalization and stigma of HIV sero-status and same-sex sexual behaviours. Research demonstrates the importance of queering health care services that align with a sense of self for the GBMSM and those who PnP. Mental health clinicians will learn from research on the role of psychosocial interventions, human connections, and sex-positive counselling when providing services to GBMSM men who PnP.

Data from qualitative, quantitative, mixed- methods, and Community Base Research provide a lens into the needs of the GBMSM communities. New research explores models of digital support for PnP users to further strengthen client-centre care for GBMSM who PnP.      

Disclaimer:  This is not an exhaustive list of research articles on Party and Play. At the GMSH, we strive for the last evidence-based research information for our readers. If you know of research articles on PnP and would like GMSH to review and showcase the contents, please email us at office@gmsh.ca.  

Best Practices - Research
The psychological roots of chemsex and how understanding the full picture can help create meaningful support

“We are all flawed, and we all struggle.” This article explores the human side of chemsex and investigates further into desire, pleasure, and intimacy. The analysis is drawn from years of psychotherapy work with gay, bi, men who have sex with men (GBMSM). While clients may have their issues, many of their themes are familiar to each client. The article explores how to lay aside the negative impacts, adopt a sex-positive approach and analyze the need for human connection and belonging.

Best Practices - Research - The Basics
Current Research on Methamphetamine: Epidemiology, Medical and Psychiatric Effects, Treatment, and Harm Reduction Efforts

Methamphetamine is widely used and has a high prevalence of use and abuse. The heavy use and high dose of methamphetamine used results in neurobiological deficiencies, which cause negative health outcomes. It is administered via intranasal, smoking, oral, and injected. Methamphetamine use has implications for psychiatric care, dental, medical, and STBBIs. The research explores the efficacy of various treatments for methamphetamine addictions.

Best Practices - Research
Interventions to address substance use and sexual risk among gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men who use methamphetamine: A systematic review.

Methamphetamine use is common in some subcultures of the gay, bi, men who have sex with men (GBMSM) communities. The review explored types of interventions for methamphetamine and sex-related harm for GBMSM. There are three categories of interventions highlighted. Of the three interventions, psychosocial interventions are the most promising for meth and sexual risk-taking.

Research - The Basics
Goodyear, T., Numer, M., Coulaud, P.J., Mniszak, C., Schwartz, C. (2019). What’s the T on PnP. Queering Healthcare Access and Accessibility

At the summit on Queering Healthcare Access and Accessibility, the panel of researchers answers the questions on substance use, consent at Party and Play, and policy implications. The questions are on contamination of popper (amyl nitrite), the ability to give consent when using drugs, and the steps to move drug use into a health perspective and drug use policy.
Research - The Basics
Gavin Bejaimal presents on Exploring Satisfaction Among Guys who Party and Play. The Investigators: Addressing Queer & Trans Knowledge Gaps Through Community Based Research

In this presentation, Gavin provides an overview of the history of gay, bi, men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and their relationship with substance use. The research question for this presentation was, “Do gay guys who engage in PnP (chemsex) feel more satisfied with the community than guys who do not?”

Best Practices - Research
Harm Reduction Practices and Needs in a Belgian Chemsex Context: Finding from a Qualitative Study

This qualitative research is to understand the harm reduction practices and health care needs of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who engage in chemsex. 20 participants were provided semi-structured interview questions and open-ended questions. The research concluded two groups of chemsex users, planned users, and impulsive users. The planned users had a personal strategy to take care of themselves, while the other group did not. Participants discussed best practices for treatment facilities and sexual health clinics on knowledge exchange.

Best Practices - Research
Social Exclusion, Resilience and Social Worker Preparedness: Providing Services to Gay and Bisexual Men Who Party-N-Play

In this article researchers synthesize findings from a qualitative study exploring social exclusion and resilience discourses amongst gay and bisexual men in Toronto. In turn, the researchers outline recommendations for social workers, psychologists and counselors to work toward curating more validating and supportive environments for gay and bisexual men who PnP.
Best Practices - Research
New Psychoactive Substances: New Service Provider Challenges

This article is most relevant for policy makers, researchers, public health officials and providers working in the substance use sector. The article identifies shortcomings and next steps for service provision in light of findings from a qualitative study with men who have sex with men (MSM) who PnP and service providers who work alongside these MSM in Manchester, UK.
Best Practices - Research
Digital Chemsex Support and Care: The Potential of Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions

This highly practical article and pilot intervention is applicable for all service providers working with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who PnP and outlines a just-in-time adaptive (JITAI) intervention that providers can introduce in their practices to provide static information and dynamic support, best attending to the ongoing needs of their clients beyond engagements in the care setting.
Research
Links SU-Sex: Development of a Screening Tool for Health-Risk Sexual Behaviours Related to Substance Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

This highly practical screening tool, Links SU-Sex captures PnP broadly, and can be introduced in practice to better understand the experiences, perceptions and goals of men who have sex with men (MSM) who PnP. The measure was developed in Montreal, Quebec, and contains 24-64 items surrounding substance use, sexual health and mental health, and is most relevant for clinicians, such as those working in the substance use or mental health sector.
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