Chemsex Treatment Los Angeles
Chemsex — the deliberate pairing of sex with drugs like Crystal Methamphetamine, Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), or Mephedrone — creates a dependency that standard addiction programs are rarely built to treat.
At Breathe Life Healing Centers (BLHC), we have specialized in chemsex recovery since 2013, delivering care that addresses the substance use and the sexual behavior together within a setting designed for the LGBTQIA+ community in Los Angeles.
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What Is Chemsex?
Chemsex is the use of specific substances before or during sex to intensify, prolong, or enable the experience. The drugs most commonly involved are Crystal Methamphetamine, GHB or Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), and Mephedrone — often used in combination, sometimes across sessions that run for hours or days.
What makes chemsex clinically distinct from general recreational drug use is the combination: the substance and the sexual activity are tied together by design. Over time, the brain encodes them as a single reward, so sex without drugs begins to feel flat, anxious, or impossible.
Chemsex is common among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, where it is also called “party and play” (PnP), though it is not exclusive to this community.
Who We Treat at Our Chemsex Program in Los Angeles
Our chemsex program serves adults 18 and older who are struggling with sexualized drug use, co-occurring mental health conditions, or both. Clients come to us from across Los Angeles and Southern California, as well as through referrals from the East Coast. Many are seeking care that understands the specific pressures of LGBTQIA+ life — not standard addiction treatment adapted to fit.
Insurance Coverage for Chemsex Treatment in Los Angeles
We work with most major Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. We do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicare.
Please verify your benefits with our admissions team before you enroll.
Substances and Co-Occurring Conditions We Treat
Chemsex typically involves polydrug use rather than a single substance. We treat dependency on:
- Crystal Methamphetamine
- GHB and GBL
- Mephedrone
- Ketamine
- Cocaine
- Alcohol used in sexualized contexts
Co-occurring conditions we treat include depression and anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma, shame and minority stress, compulsive sexual behavior, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related distress.
Our Approach to Chemsex Treatment
Our approach is built on trauma-informed care, integrated substance and sexual health treatment, and evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Contingency Management (CM).
Levels of Care for Chemsex Recovery
Medical Detox for Methamphetamine and GHB: Safe, supervised withdrawal from Methamphetamine, GHB, or other substances, with medical monitoring throughout.
Residential Treatment: Immersive 24-hour care at our Laurel Canyon campus.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Intensive day programming as clients step down from residential.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured treatment that fits around daily life.
Enhanced Sober Living: Transitional housing with peer support and continued accountability.
Take the Next Step
If chemsex has become something you cannot stop on your own, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us at (877) 401-2510 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
Accessible Treatment Options
- ADDRESS DETAIL
Addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California
8060 Melrose Ave 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Breathe's chemsex program different from standard drug treatment?
Most addiction programs treat substance use as a standalone problem. Our program is built around the fact that chemsex ties drug use directly to sexual behavior, and both must be addressed in treatment. We also hold LGBTQIA+ certification and have a clinical team with specific training in chemsex.
Do I need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to access the chemsex program?
No. Our program is open to any adult whose substance use has become connected to sexual behavior, regardless of orientation or gender identity.
How long does chemsex treatment at Breathe take?
Treatment length is individual. Residential programs typically run 30 to 90 days, with PHP and IOP providing continued support. Our clinical team will recommend a length of stay based on your substances, co-occurring conditions, and behavioral pattern.
Is the program confidential?
Yes. All treatment at Breathe is fully confidential under applicable federal and state privacy laws. Your admission, diagnosis, and treatment content are not shared without your written consent.
Zahara Nakia
This is pretty awesome. The staff for the most part is great. And the thing is liked about this place the most is they were patient enough with me the first time I was here. They allowed me to land emotionally the second time not so much but I left 5 stars because the CM’s were very kind as well as the nursing staff. Blake is my spirit is amazing and most of the staff are extremely empathetic towards 3veryone not just people within the LGBTQ community.
Edil Visli
My experience with Breathe was amazing and truly life-changing. The therapists are highly educated and helped me explore my issues deeply. Kathleen, the clinical director, is remarkable, and her group sessions are among my favorite memories. The campus is beautiful and serene, and the food was excellent. The alumni program keeps me connected, and I’ve made some lifelong friends there. I would absolutely recommend Breathe to anyone who is struggling.
Martin Warne
80 days sober today! 🎉 I have been at Breathe since May 5th, 2025 and this has been a life changing experience. I will grieve this experience when I leave at the of this month. I discharge on the 25th and I feel I’ve been equipped with all the tools needed to stay sober. The staff are empathetic, compassionate and well educated on addiction recovery. I’m going to cherish all the memories I have at Breathe. I have met some of the most amazing people— friends I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. If you’re struggling with addiction or an eating disorder, come be apart of the Breathe community. It will be tough but so worth it. I’ve unpacked 40 years of trauma here; leaving Breathe with freedom, healing and self compassion. I’m looking forward to a life free of substances and binge eating. Thank you, Breathe for saving my life!
Dustin Dudley
My experience with Breathe was amazing. It truly changed my life. The therapists are well educated and they helped me dig deep. Kathleen the clinical director is remarkable. Her groups were one of my favorite memories. The campus is beautiful and serene and the food was so good. The alumni program keeps me plugged in too. I’ve made some life-long friends there and would absolutely recommend Breathe to anyone who is struggling.
Troy Eaton
I spent 90 days at Breathe just about a year ago and it changed my life. The staff there guided me through dealing with some underlying emotional issues I had been overlooking for years. The care I received from the entire staff on campus and at the clinic was amazing. Their alumni program is incredible as they are big on following up and supporting former patients even after they leave the facility. I would highly recommend Breathe to anyone who is struggling with addiction issues.
Stephen Timmer
As an interventionist, I have brought several people to Breathe for substance abuse treatment and co-occurring issues. I love this program. I have had great success with the individuals I brought here because of the clinical services provided, the environment, the quality of the treatment team and the fact that it is owned by individuals who are passionate about recovery. I have a bias against chain programs and prefer those that are owned and operated by people who are in this field to help others. That is what Breathe does!!! I have brought LGBTQ clients and straight or sis gender clients and both are welcomed equally and given the same overwhelming amount of love and acceptance. Highly recommended!!!!
Babbi Anderson
Several years ago a family member was struggling with an eating disorder as well as alcoholism. My loved one needed to address both issues simultaneously. I called all over the country and at that time Breathe Life Healing Center was the only treatment center that said they would do this. My family member admitted, stayed for 100+ days, and left Breathe firmly planted in recovery. They continue, now several years later, with ongoing recovery. I attended Breathe’s Family Classes and was impressed with that service as well. Breathe Life Healing Center is amazing. Lovely, comfortable surroundings, truly excellent staff and very responsive to family members. Thank you Breathe!
James King
I went to breathe on Jan 9th 2021. I almost have 3 years in recovery and I was angry at Breathe, depress, lost, lost everything broke my addiction to get out of a serious situation I was in. My family wanted nothing to do with me and today it’s different, I made amends with my Parents, Aunt, Uncle ,Cousins and friends. I managed to quit smoking at Breathe thanks to Brad at smoking session group he hosted. I have rebuilt my life and I get to be there for my family. Breathe has prepared me for the future, it was not a vacation in Breathe, give it time and one day a time! Great staff and you will develop wonderful relationships. Thank you Breathe..
- ADDRESS DETAIL
Addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California
8060 Melrose Ave 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
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