Sex and drugs

Short description: Interaction between sex and drugs

Sex and drugs date back to ancient humans and have been interlocked throughout human history. Both legal and illegal, the consumption of drugs and their effects on the human body encompasses all aspects of sex, including desire, performance, pleasure, conception, gestation, and disease.

There are many different types of drugs that are commonly associated with their effects on sex, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, GHB, amphetamines, opioids, antidepressants, and many others.

## Contents

* 1 Disinhibition
* 2 Sexual function
* 3 Sexual activity, drug use, and risks
* 4 Types of drugs and effects
* 4.1 Cannabis
* 4.2 Alcohol
* 4.3 Cocaine
* 4.4 MDMA
* 4.5 2C-B
* 4.6 Antidepressants
* 4.7 Opioids
* 4.8 Amphetamines
* 5 Date rape drugs
* 6 Society and culture
* 6.1 Chemsex
* 6.2 Contraception and abortion
* 7 See also
* 7.1 References

## Disinhibition

Drugs are frequently associated with reduced sexual inhibition, both when used voluntarily in social circumstances, and involuntarily, as in the case of some date rape drugs. Because the use of drugs, including alcohol, is commonly presented as an excuse for risky or socially unacceptable behavior, it is necessary to treat the idea of a direct causal relation between drug use and unsafe sex with caution. Drugs may provide a socially acceptable excuse for engaging in sexual behaviors in which people may want to engage but perhaps feel that they should not.[1]

## Sexual function

Some forms of sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction can be treated with drugs. Because of their effects, erectile dysfunction drugs are sometimes used for recreational purposes. Many drugs, both legal and illegal, some sold online, have side effects that affect the user's sexual function. Many drugs can cause loss of libido as a side effect.[2]

Since a partial cause of the refractory period is the inhibition of dopamine by an orgasm-induced secretion of prolactin,[3] such potent dopamine receptor agonists as cabergoline may help achieve multiple orgasms as well as the retention of sexual arousal for longer periods of time.[3]

## Sexual activity, drug use, and risks

According to some studies, up to 22.1% of teenagers abused substances during their most recent sexual experience.[4]

Likewise, studies have shown adolescents who regularly abuse substances are more likely to initiate sexual activity at an earlier age,[5] have a more significant number of sexual partners,[6] and engage in unprotected sex more often.[7]

Additionally, substance abuse has been linked to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI).[8]

## Types of drugs and effects

### Cannabis

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance.[9][10] Studies on cannabis and sex have shown that THC has been linked to improved sexual desire and function. Specifically, in one study, 70 percent of users said marijuana was an aphrodisiac, and 81 percent said it improved their sexual pleasure and satisfaction.[11]

Other research has found that long-term marijuana use lowers testosterone levels and other reproductive hormones, causing erectile dysfunction in males.[12][13]

### Alcohol

Alcohol inhibits neuronal excitability through acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.[14] Alcohol is often accessible in a number of social situations across many cultures and is frequently connected with uninhibited social activities. Alcohol has been shown in human research to have surprising effects on the human libido.

While some studies indicates that alcohol improves sexual behavior and desire, other research indicates that alcohol impairs sexual function.

The conditions under which the drinking occurs, laboratory research vs self-report studies from users, as well as the amounts of alcohol consumed, may all contribute to these controversial outcomes.[15][16]

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that while low blood alcohol levels have no effect on or slightly enhance sexual arousal and responsiveness in men, elevated blood alcohol levels result in decreased erectile responsiveness, decreased arousal, and impaired ability to ejaculate.[15][16] Other laboratory research, on the other hand, found no significant influence of either low or high blood alcohol levels on measures of arousal.[17]

Even with mild alcohol use, women have decreased vaginal flow responses. In apparent contrast, women self-report heightened sexual desire and pleasure when they consume more alcohol and are more likely to engage in sexual activities with someone when intoxicated.[16]

Heavy alcohol intake impairs sexual and reproductive function, erectile, and ejaculatory dysfunction in males, and sexual arousal, interest, and orgasm in women.[15][18]

Alcohol and sex although alcohol may have varying impacts on sexual performance depending on the amount drank, it generally impairs sexual functioning and contributes to increased sexual risk taking.[19][20]

### Cocaine

Cocaine is a potent psycho-stimulant that boosts dopamine levels by inhibiting dopamine transporters. It has been often linked to enhanced libido and risk-taking behavior in humans.[21]

Cocaine has been observed to increase sexual arousal or to trigger spontaneous erections and orgasms.[22]

In contrast, other data has shown that persistent cocaine use impairs sexual desire and the capacity of both men and females to achieve orgasm.[16]

### MDMA

MDMA or "ecstasy" originally gained popularity in the 1980s among college students. According to a survey conducted, 10% of college students at a big US institution reported using MDMA, with alcohol and marijuana being the most often used substances.[23] MDMA users report increased enjoyment in physical contact and proximity rather than a sexual experience.[24][25] MDMA has been shown to impair sexual performance, including erectile dysfunction and delayed orgasm,[26][27] as well as to suppress sex desire.[28][29][30]

### 2C-B

2C-B was first sold commercially in 5 mg pills as a purported aphrodisiac under the trade name "Erox", which was manufactured by the German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle.[31] While being primarily a psychedelic it is also a mild entactogen. 5-MeO-MiPT is another psychedelic that some users find to be euphoric and tactile in low to moderate doses of 4-8 milligrams.[32]

### Antidepressants

Psychiatrists and doctors commonly prescribe different types of antidepressants to patients. SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs are the most common types of antidepressants.[33] Each has slightly different effects on sexual functioning, but generally, it has been found that antidepressants can delay/decrease orgasms and cause females to have breast enlargement.[34] Dapoxetine in particular takes advantage of the side effect of delayed orgasm and is approved specifically as a medication for the treatment of premature ejaculation rather than as an antidepressant.

The side effects on sexual functioning can impact mental health and quality of life.[34] However, the decrease in depressive symptoms from antidepressants make it worth the sexual side effects for many people. They can be managed by changing the dose, switching drugs, or taking “antidotes”.[35] Maca, a plant that grows in central Peru, aids with sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressant drugs for women. There are specific Maca products that can also increase sexual desire in men.[citation needed]

### Opioids

Opioids (also known as narcotics) such as morphine and heroin attach to opioid receptors in the brain. These substances have long been known to inhibit sexual behavior.[36]

Similar to the effects of psycho-stimulants, both men and women who use heroin report engaging in high-risk sexual practices.

Subjects typically report having several sexual partners, using condoms seldom or not at all, and having a high frequency of STI diagnosis.[37]

While small doses of heroin may enhance sexual desire and performance,[38] chronic opiate use, including methadone and buprenorphine, synthetic and semi-synthetic opiates prescribed for opiate addiction treatment, results in decreased sexual desire, response, and orgasms for both men and women, as well as erectile, ejaculatory dysfunction, and vaginismus.[22][38][16]

### Amphetamines

Amphetamines may lead to an increase in sexual drive and delay in orgasm.[13]

## Date rape drugs

A date rape drug is any drug that is an incapacitating agent which—when administered to another person—incapacitates the person and renders them vulnerable to a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), including rape. One of the most common types of DFSA are those in which a victim consumes a recreational drug such as alcohol that was administered surreptitiously.[39] The other most common form of DFSA involves the non-surreptitiously administered consumption of alcohol.[40] Here, the victims in these cases are drinking voluntarily which then makes them unable to make informed decisions or give consent.

## Society and culture

### Chemsex

Party and play, or chemsex, is the consumption of drugs to facilitate sexual activity. Sociologically, both terms refer to a subculture of recreational drug users who engage in high-risk sexual activities under the influence of drugs within groups.[41] The term PnP is commonly used by gay men[41][failed verification] and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in North America, while chemsex is more associated with the gay scene in Europe.[42] The drug of choice is typically methamphetamine, known as tina or T,[43] but other drugs are also used, such as mephedrone, GHB, GBL[44] and alkyl nitrites (known as poppers).[45]

### Contraception and abortion

Drug-based contraception has been available since the development of the contraceptive pill. As well as their contraceptive effects, contraceptive drugs can also have adverse sexual and reproductive side-effects. Prior to the availability of effective contraceptives, some substances were also used as abortifacients to terminate pregnancy; medical abortion exists as a modern medical practice.

## See also

* Abortifacient
* Aphrodisiac
* Date rape drug
* Hormonal contraception
* Libido § Medications
* Methamphetamine and sex
* Nitrite inhalants
* Party and play
* Sex and alcohol
* Wine, women, and song

### References

1. ↑ Race, Kane (2009) (in en). Pleasure Consuming Medicine: The Queer Politics of Drugs. Duke University Press. p. 176. ISBN 978-0822390886. https://books.google.com/books?id=PkVuU9KmotYC&pg=PA176.
2. ↑ "Medical issues associated with anabolic steroid use: are they exaggerated?". Journal of Sports Science & Medicine 5 (2): 182–93. 2006. PMID 24259990.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Effects of acute prolactin manipulation on sexual drive and function in males". The Journal of Endocrinology 179 (3): 357–65. December 2003. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1790357. PMID 14656205.
4. ↑ Kann, Laura; McManus, Tim; Harris, William A.; Shanklin, Shari L.; Flint, Katherine H.; Hawkins, Joseph; Queen, Barbara; Lowry, Richard et al. (2016-06-10). "Youth Risk Behavior SurveillanceUnited States, 2015". MMWR. Surveillance Summaries 65 (6): 1–174. doi:10.15585/mmwr.ss6506a1. ISSN 1546-0738. PMID 27280474.
5. ↑ Madkour, Aubrey S.; Farhat, Tilda; Halpern, Carolyn T.; Godeau, Emmanuelle; Gabhainn, Saoirse N. (October 2010). "Early Adolescent Sexual Initiation as a Problem Behavior: A Comparative Study of Five Nations". Journal of Adolescent Health 47 (4): 389–398. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.02.008. ISSN 1054-139X. PMID 20864009. PMC 2945604. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.02.008.
6. ↑ Connell, Christian M.; Gilreath, Tamika D.; Hansen, Nathan B. (November 2009). "A Multiprocess Latent Class Analysis of the Co-Occurrence of Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Adolescents". Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 70 (6): 943–951. doi:10.15288/jsad.2009.70.943. ISSN 1937-1888. PMID 19895772. PMC 2776124. http://dx.doi.org/10.15288/jsad.2009.70.943.
7. ↑ Tucker, Joan S.; Ryan, Gery W.; Golinelli, Daniela; Ewing, Brett; Wenzel, Suzanne L.; Kennedy, David P.; Green, Harold D.; Zhou, Annie (2011-08-17). "Substance Use and Other Risk Factors for Unprotected Sex: Results from an Event-Based Study of Homeless Youth". AIDS and Behavior 16 (6): 1699–1707. doi:10.1007/s10461-011-0017-9. ISSN 1090-7165. PMID 21932093. PMC 3244544. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-011-0017-9.
8. ↑ Baker, R. R.; Dowdall, M. J.; Whittaker, V. P. (1975-12-26). "The involvement of lysophosphoglycerides in neurotransmitter release; the composition and turnover of phospholipids of synaptic vesicles of guinea-pig cerebral cortex and Torpedo electric organ and the effect of stimulation". Brain Research 100 (3): 629–644. doi:10.1016/0006-8993(75)90162-6. ISSN 0006-8993. PMID 129. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/129.
9. ↑ Abuse, National Institute on Drug. "Most Commonly Used Addictive Drugs" (in en). https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/most-commonly-used-addictive-drugs.
10. ↑ Volkow, Nora D. (2005). NIDA Intensifies Focus on Marijuana Abuse. doi:10.1037/e414792005-007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/e414792005-007. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
11. ↑ Halikas, James; Weller, Ronald; Morse, Carolyn (January 1982). "Effects of Regular Marijuana Use on Sexual Performance". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 14 (1–2): 59–70. doi:10.1080/02791072.1982.10471911. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 6981694. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1982.10471911.
12. ↑ "Substance Abuse". JAMA 279 (10): 802. 1998-03-11. doi:10.1001/jama.279.10.802-jbk0311-4-1. ISSN 0098-7484. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.279.10.802-jbk0311-4-1.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Sexual Dysfunction in Persons With Substance Use Disorders". Journal of Psychosexual Health 1 (2): 117–121. 2019-04-01. doi:10.1177/2631831819849365.
14. ↑ Kumar, Sandeep; Porcu, Patrizia; Werner, David F.; Matthews, Douglas B.; Diaz-Granados, Jaime L.; Helfand, Rebecca S.; Morrow, A. Leslie (September 2009). "The role of GABAA receptors in the acute and chronic effects of ethanol: a decade of progress". Psychopharmacology 205 (4): 529–564. doi:10.1007/s00213-009-1562-z. ISSN 0033-3158. PMID 19455309.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Crowe, Leif C.; George, William H. (1989). "Alcohol and human sexuality: Review and integration.". Psychological Bulletin 105 (3): 374–386. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.105.3.374. ISSN 1939-1455. PMID 2660179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.105.3.374.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Peugh, Jordon; Belenko, Steven (September 2001). "Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Function: A Review". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 33 (3): 223–232. doi:10.1080/02791072.2001.10400569. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 11718315. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2001.10400569.
17. ↑ George, William H.; Davis, Kelly Cue; Norris, Jeanette; Heiman, Julia R.; Schacht, Rebecca L.; Stoner, Susan A.; Kajumulo, Kelly F. (2006). "Alcohol and erectile response: The effects of high dosage in the context of demands to maximize sexual arousal.". Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology 14 (4): 461–470. doi:10.1037/1064-1297.14.4.461. ISSN 1936-2293. PMID 17115874. PMC 3164266. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1064-1297.14.4.461.
18. ↑ Manis, Emily (2023-07-01). "Women who drink alcohol have an increased risk of sexual dysfunction" (in en-US). https://www.psypost.org/2023/07/women-who-drink-alcohol-have-an-increased-risk-of-sexual-dysfunction-166069.
19. ↑ "Alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction: meta-analysis of population-based studies". International Journal of Impotence Research 19 (4): 343–52. 2007-05-31. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901556. PMID 17538641.
20. ↑ Reducing Adolescent Risk: Toward an Integrated Approach.. SAGE Publications. 2003. ISBN 9781452264462. OCLC 809772621. https://archive.org/details/reducingadolesce0000unse.
21. ↑ Rawson, Richard A; Washton, Arnold; Domier, Catherine P; Reiber, Chris (March 2002). "Drugs and sexual effects: role of drug type and gender". Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 22 (2): 103–108. doi:10.1016/s0740-5472(01)00215-x. ISSN 0740-5472. PMID 11932136.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Buffum, John (January 1982). "Pharmacosexology: The Effects of Drugs on Sexual Function – A Review". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 14 (1–2): 5–44. doi:10.1080/02791072.1982.10471907. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 6126532. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1982.10471907.
23. ↑ Boyd, Carol J.; McCabe, Sean Esteban; d'Arcy, Hannah (April 2003). "Ecstasy use among college undergraduates: gender, race and sexual identity". Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 24 (3): 209–215. doi:10.1016/s0740-5472(03)00025-4. ISSN 0740-5472. PMID 12810141. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0740-5472(03)00025-4.
24. ↑ Adler, Patricia A.; Adler, Peter; Beck, Jerome; Rosenbaum, Marsha (January 1995). "Pursuit of Ecstasy: The MDMA Experience". Contemporary Sociology 24 (1): 96. doi:10.2307/2075131. ISSN 0094-3061. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2075131.
25. ↑ Monserrat, Georgette (2020-08-21). "Risky Sex and the Recreational Use of MDMA" (in en-US). https://psychedelicreview.com/risky-sex-and-the-recreational-use-of-mdma/.
26. ↑ Buffum, John; Moser, Charles (October 1986). "MDMA and Human Sexual Function". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 18 (4): 355–359. doi:10.1080/02791072.1986.10472369. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 2880951. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1986.10472369.
27. ↑ Zemishlany, Z.; Aizenberg, D.; Weizman, A. (March 2001). "Subjective effects of MDMA ('Ecstasy') on human sexual function". European Psychiatry 16 (2): 127–130. doi:10.1016/s0924-9338(01)00551-x. ISSN 0924-9338. PMID 11311179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0924-9338(01)00551-x.
28. ↑ Parrott, Andy C.; Milani, Raffaella M.; Parmar, Rishee; Turner, John J. (2001-09-11). "Recreational ecstasy/MDMA and other drug users from the UK and Italy: psychiatric symptoms and psychobiological problems". Psychopharmacology 159 (1): 77–82. doi:10.1007/s002130100897. ISSN 0033-3158. PMID 11797073. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002130100897.
29. ↑ Passie, Torsten; Hartmann, Uwe; Schneider, Udo; Emrich, Hinderk M.; Krüger, Tillmann H.C. (January 2005). "Ecstasy (MDMA) mimics the post-orgasmic state: Impairment of sexual drive and function during acute MDMA-effects may be due to increased prolactin secretion". Medical Hypotheses 64 (5): 899–903. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2004.11.044. ISSN 0306-9877. PMID 15780482. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2004.11.044.
30. ↑ Topp, Libby; Hando, Julie; Dillon, Paul; Roche, Ann; Solowij, Nadia (June 1999). "Ecstasy use in Australia: patterns of use and associated harm". Drug and Alcohol Dependence 55 (1–2): 105–115. doi:10.1016/s0376-8716(99)00002-2. ISSN 0376-8716. PMID 10402155. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0376-8716(99)00002-2.
31. ↑ "Erowid Chemicals Vaults : Images : 2cb pack". https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/show_image.php?i=2cb/2cb_pack2.jpg.
32. ↑ Palamar, Joseph J.; Acosta, Patricia (2020-01-07). "A qualitative descriptive analysis of effects of psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines". Human Psychopharmacology 35 (1): e2719. doi:10.1002/hup.2719. ISSN 0885-6222. PMID 31909513.
33. ↑ "How Different Antidepressants Work" (in en). https://www.webmd.com/depression/how-different-antidepressants-work.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: impact, effects, and treatment". Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety 2: 141–50. 2010-09-09. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S7634. PMID 21701626.
35. ↑ "Sex and antidepressants: When to switch drugs or try an antidote" (in en). https://www.mdedge.com/psychiatry/article/66203/depression/sex-and-antidepressants-when-switch-drugs-or-try-antidote.
36. ↑ "Opioids and sexual behavior". Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 11 (1): 1–34. 1987-03-01. doi:10.1016/S0149-7634(87)80002-7. PMID 3554038.
37. ↑ Raj, Anita; Saitz, Richard; Cheng, Debbie M.; Winter, Michael; Samet, Jeffrey H. (2007-01-01). "Associations Between Alcohol, Heroin, and Cocaine Use and High Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Detoxification Patients". The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 33 (1): 169–178. doi:10.1080/00952990601091176. ISSN 0095-2990. PMID 17366258. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00952990601091176.
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Miller, Norman S.; Gold, Mark S. (January 1988). "The human sexual response and alcohol and drugs". Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 5 (3): 171–177. doi:10.1016/0740-5472(88)90006-2. ISSN 0740-5472. PMID 3070052. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0740-5472(88)90006-2.
39. ↑ Lyman, Michael D. (2006). Practical drug enforcement (3rd ed.). Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC. p. 70. ISBN 978-0849398087.
40. ↑ "Alcohol Is Most Common 'Date Rape' Drug". Medicalnewstoday.com. MediLexicon International Ltd. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/85513.php.
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "PSA tackles PNP: TV ad warns against crystal meth usage in the gay male community". 2007-09-21. http://www.metroweekly.com/gauge/?ak=2025.
42. ↑ "What is ChemSex". The Laurel Centre. 2018-06-02. https://thelaurelcentre.co.uk/blog/what-is-chemsex.
43. ↑ Brown, Ethan (April 29, 2002). "Crystal Ball". http://nymag.com/nymetro/urban/gay/features/5948/index.html.
44. ↑ "What is chemsex and why does it matter?". BMJ 351: h5790. November 2015. doi:10.1136/bmj.h5790. PMID 26537832.
45. ↑ "How gay culture bottled a formula that has broken down boundaries" (in en-GB). The Independent. 2016-01-22. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/poppers-how-gay-culture-bottled-a-formula-that-has-broken-down-boundaries-a6828466.html.

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