Sex and the Other: Malevolence Incarnate. What are Chemsex abstainees’ reflections on Chemsex and Sober sex in recovery?

Purpose: Research into Chemsex typically views the phenomenon through a post-positivistic and epidemiological lens. Seldom has research been done exploring the experience of these men's lives through other epistemological positions, nor has research been conducted exploring their experiences of sex following abstinence from Chemsex. This research looks at filling these holes in the literature, exploring the question "What are Chemsex abstainees' reflections on Chemsex and Sober sex in recovery?" This paper was formed as part of a wider piece of research examining this question.Methods: The research was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). 9 men living in the United Kingdom were recruited and interviewed about their experiences of sex following abstinence from Chemsex, after having maintained at least 1 year of abstinence.Results: 5 superordinate themes were developed from this research. This paper examines the theme 'Sex and the Other: Malevolence Incarnate' which explores interpersonal dynamics as they play out for Chemsex abstainees both within the context of Chemsex and while in recovery and their engagement in sober sex in their recovery.Conclusions: The theme Sex and the Other: Malevolence Incarnate speaks to how relationships with others were experienced through the lens of victimisation, violence, and dehumanising the 'Other' in an attempt to protect the self from relational closeness. Participants spoke of how their prior formative experiences created relational frameworks which were then superimposed on to their sexual relationships, influencing their engagement with other men both within the context of Chemsex and Sober sex post-abstinence.