{
  "abstract": "Background ASA was the first association in Italy to recognise the potential harms of Chemsex abuse. In 2019 it established the first mono-symptomatic therapeutical group for Chemsex users in Italy, embedded within a historical and well-established organisation in the Milan MSM scene, offering a place of cure free from stigma and medicalization.Material and Methods Weekly semi-open psychoanalytic group, led by a professional psychotherapist and a community volunteer. Advertised through the association’s website, gay venues, HIV clinics, and Grindr. The current model includes two weekly in-person groups and one weekly online group for participants outside Milan. The project collaborates with the public health network, in particular addiction treatment centres (SerD) and psychiatric specialists, ensuring integrated medical and psychological care when needed.Results The service reaches over 60 users per year. A clinical polarisation emerged between users of non-smokable substances (mephedrone, GHB) — who frequently do not self-identify as addicted despite years of use — and users of smokable substances (MDPV, methamphetamine). Addiction risks are comparable across both groups; no distinction by substance is made in the groups. MDPV abuse is associated with severe psychotic and paranoid episodes, more effectively managed through group confrontation than individual therapy, with psychiatric support provided through the SerD network in acute cases. Among the most assiduous participants, cessation was achieved; a proportion discontinued and were lost to follow-up.Conclusion The psychoanalytic mono-symptomatic group model — grounded in peer confrontation and the shared bond of ‘I am like you’ — has proven effective in treating Chemsex-related addiction in the Milan MSM community. The integration with SerD and psychiatric services, combined with the synergy between therapist and community volunteer, has been key to bridging cultural gaps and ensuring continuity of care.(ASA was supported by Viiv Healthcare)",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "ASA ODV Milano, Milan, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "G Fracca"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "ASA ODV Milano, Milan, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "M Manfredini"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "ASA ODV Milano, Milan, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "M Cernuschi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "ASA ODV Milano, Milan, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "A Bianchi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "ASA ODV Milano, Milan, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "A Antonino"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P77 Mono-symptomatic therapeutical group for chemsex users: 7 years of clinical experience in Milan",
  "uid": "a52ced11-11c3-5706-98df-dbf034f95ef3"
}