Sexual Function and Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Patterns of Sexual Risk Behaviors and Sexuality-Related Risk Factors among Young Adults in Germany: Implications for Prevention and Therapy

“…Therefore, it seems beneficial to also keep an eye on this SRB pattern when conceptualizing SRB prevention and support interventions. This can be done by recognizing the close interaction between substance use and sexuality, especially since this interaction plays a role in both chronic substance use and sexual disorders (Hallinan, 2021), as well as in other healthrelated factors like STI (Berry & Johnson, 2018;Dessunti & Advincula Reis, 2007;Rosenberger et al, 2021) or intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization (Espelage et al, 2018;Parker & Bradshaw, 2015;Tussey et al, 2021).…”

“…Other related factors, especially an at least occasionally occurring inadequate use of contraception and impairments in important relationships, might then comprise a direct consequence of the substance use and its cognitive effects. In this case, it seems beneficial to generate awareness of sexual problems and risk behaviors as common adverse effects of regular substance use (Hallinan, 2021;Resch & Parzer, 2022) within prevention programs. Furthermore, alcohol and drug problems should be addressed in therapy and counseling services that address sexual impairments and vice versa.…”

Study protocol: Hypersexual and hyposexual behavior among adults diagnosed with alcohol- and substance use disorders—Associations between traumatic experiences and problematic sexual behavior

“…The harmful use and addiction due to alcohol or illicit drugs can have both excitatory and inhibiting effects on sexual behavior ( 1 ). In relevant literature, three possible domains on the relation between alcohol or drug use, and sexual behavior are considered: (a) the use of substances to enhance sexual activity or arousal, (b) the relation between substance use and harmful or risky sexual behavior, and (c) sexual dysfunction as a consequence of substance consumption ( 2 , 3 ). Thus, the consumption of, e.g., alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, or hallucinogen substances can increase sexual arousal short-termly, while the long-term use of, e.g., alcohol, opioids, or sedatives is often associated with impairments in sexual function ( 1 ).…”

“…(2) What are the associations between the presence of sexual problems and different characteristics of the SUD (e.g., mono vs. polysubstance use, type of addictive substance, intensity of the disorder)? (3) What influence do traumatic experiences in childhood and adolescence have on the existence of sexual disorders among adults with a diagnosed SUD? Method: The target group of this cross-sectional ex-post-facto study comprises adults diagnosed with an alcohol-and/or substance use disorder.…”