Substance Abuse and Sex

When it comes to drug use and sex, the popularization of combining the two has come about by inaccurate portrayals of how substance abuse affects this basic human function. Books, movies and television have glorified drugs like ecstasy that purportedly increase a person's libido and greatly enhance the feeling of sex. However, these glorifications generally omit the fact that when drugs and sex are combined, the result is often unwanted pregnancies, the transmission of sexually transmitted disease, the development of sexual dysfunction and even rape and sexual assault. Because these risks can have lifelong consequences, understanding the consequences of addiction and sex for both partners is critical to preventing lasting sexual health damage.

One of the most concerning issues related to drug use and sex is the propensity for users to engage in high risk sexual activity. This can include having multiple partners, having unprotected sex or sex while in a state of semi-consciousness, having sex and not remembering it, promiscuity, and engaging in abnormal or even illegal sex acts. These high-risk sexual behaviors put drug users at increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, herpes and hepatitis – all of which are incurable illnesses. And because many people who fall victim to drug addiction become so desperate that they resort to prostitution, the transmission of STDs is really a larger overall public health concern.

Drug addiction and alcoholism often leads to a decreased libido or sexual drive for both men and women. This is because substance abuse interrupts the body's normal production and regulation of hormones important for sexual function – especially testosterone. While this can lead to overproduction of hormones and greatly increase a person's libido to the point of promiscuity, it usually results in a significantly suppressed sex drive. Additionally, the stresses of a lifestyle that includes drug addiction or alcoholism are often enough to completely eradicate – at least temporarily – a person's sexual impulses. Drugs like opiates that affect the central nervous system can also lead to Erectile Dysfunction problems for men.

Studies on the effects of drug addiction on sexual functions have shown that rape is a serious issue when it comes to substance abuse and sex. Some drugs have ability to completely incapacitate a person to the point where they cannot defend themselves from rape. Furthermore, based upon a study by The REACH Center, teens that use drugs are up to 21 times more likely to be sexually assaulted or raped. This indicates that the most vulnerable group in regard to sex and drugs is young adults and teens.

Sex and substance abuse can also lead to long term or even permanent sexual dysfunction. Users of drugs like meth, ecstasy and cocaine report that due to the intense feelings of euphoria while high, sex while sober is no longer interesting. Additionally, the interruption of the production of serotonin may make it impossible for some people to climax, leading to sexual frustration that often culminates in severe sexual dysfunction.

Because sex is such a vital component of human health, anyone suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism should seek help immediately. Sexual dysfunction and reproductive damage caused by drug use can have a lifetime of consequences not only for you, but for your family as well. Stop the cycle of addiction and reach out for help right now – why wait any longer?