This briefing paper presents an overview and traces the main developments in the chemsex phenomenon in France over the past fifteen years.
For the past two decades the Survey on Health and Use on National Defence and Citizenship Day (ESCAPAD) conducted by the OFDT has made it possible to quantify the use of psychoactive substance by 17-year-olds at a regional level.
The city of Paris seems to be particularly affected by illegal drugs, judging from health statistics (treatment requests, syringe exchange programmes, etc.) and police statistics (stopping and questioning people for drug dealing or drug taking).
The ESCAPAD survey, set up in 2000 by the OFDT with the logistical support of the Central bureau for the National Service (DCSN), contributes, every year, to reporting the trends in the use of psychoactive products among young French people.