Sexual Effects of Drugs

Alcohol
Shakespeare once said of alcohol that “lechery…it provokes and unprovokes; it provokes the desire but it takes away the performance (Shakespeare).” The Bard’s immortal words still ring true today. Alcohol generally makes people more willing to have sex but less capable of the act.

In small amounts, alcohol can reduce inhibitions and increase sexual desire in both sexes. One man describes the increase in desire like this: “With alcohol there comes a rush, especially in the early stages. With that rush I want more rush to come. I’m looking for excitement.”

Although small amounts of alcohol may increase sexual excitement, it does not necessarily increase sexual arousal. Even in small doses alcohol causes men’s erections to be less firm.

In larger doses alcohol reduces sexual arousal in both sexes. In men, alcohol causes impotence through several means. Long-term use of alcohol reduces testosterone levels and increases estrogen levels, which can result in impotence. Short-term use can cause transient (temporary) impotence through alcohol’s sedative effect. Additionally, alcohol can affect the nerves of the penis, causing neurogenic impotence.

Alcohol reduces sexual arousal in women as well as men. Alcohol can reduce vaginal lubrication by causing the body to send less blood to the genital region. In moderate or large quantities, alcohol can make orgasm difficult to achieve for women, just as it can for men.

Hormonal changes caused by long-term alcohol use can cause a reduction in libido, in addition to causing impotence. Using alcohol in combination with other depressants can amplify this effect.

Alcohol can interfere with the production of sperm in men. Alcohol use by men can cause abnormalities in sperm, making them less motile. When alcohol-effected sperm causes a pregnancy, there is a greater likelihood of miscarriage or birth defects.

And men agree that sex is less enjoyable when under the influence of alcohol, because alcohol makes the penis less sensitive and because it makes men take longer to orgasm. Men are also often less interested in pleasing their partner when drunk.

Amyl Nitrate and Butyl Nitrate (Poppers)
Poppers are often used as sexual enhancers, because they cause a feeling of heat and excitement which some feel makes sex more enjoyable. Although they can be legally purchased, poppers can increase the risk of heart failure.

Amphetamines
Like alcohol, amphetamines, including methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy), “provoke the desire but take away the performance.” Amphetamines can increase one’s desire for sex. A male amphetamine user reports that, while amphetamines do not make him physically aroused, if he starts to think about sex while under the influence of amphetamines, he begins obsessing on sex and can’t sleep until he has had an orgasm.

In men, amphetamines often make achieving and maintaining an erection difficult. Conversely, in moderate doses, amphetamines occasionally cause priapism, a painful erection that will not go away on its own.

Male amphetamine users report that amphetamines cause shrinkage. Because of the erection difficulties and shrinkage amphetamines cause, men on amphetamines often find masturbation easier than sex.

In spite of the erection difficulties amphetamines cause, male amphetamine users find it possible, although difficult, to achieve orgasm while flaccid when they are on amphetamines. Some men report that they have never been able to do this, except when on amphetamines.

Men generally find it very difficult to ejaculate while on high doses of amphetamines. Some people see this as an advantage, because it allows men to last longer during sex. However, this side effect can also be very frustrating. Some men say that while masturbating on amphetamines it “feels like you’re gonna cum at any second, but you don’t.” They feel that the physical sensation of sexual stimulation is better while on amphetamines, but the overall experience is less enjoyable. “After a while, it’s like you just want it to be over with.”

Ejaculation can cause mild discomfort to men on amphetamines. Male amphetamine users report that ejaculation feels equally good and satisfying whether on or off amphetamines, but the testicles feel uncomfortable after ejaculating while on amphetamines.

In very high doses, amphetamines can cause spontaneous orgasm. However, doses this high are extremely dangerous, as they can cause convulsions, heart failure, stroke and death.

Cocaine
Both amphetamines and cocaine are stimulants, so the effects of cocaine are similar to the affects of amphetamines. Like amphetamines, cocaine can cause erectile dysfunction and, in moderate doses, priapism. As with amphetamines, men generally find it very difficult to ejaculate while on high doses of cocaine, which some see as an advantage, and some find frustrating. Finally, in very high doses, cocaine can cause spontaneous orgasm, but doses this high can be fatal.

In small doses, cocaine causes excitement and euphoria, which the user may interpret as sexual excitement. However, chronic heavy use of cocaine can lower the libido . Because cocaine is addictive, the desire for cocaine may eventually overpower any desire for sex.

Cocaine is a local anesthetic. When applied to the skin, it reduces sensitivity. Some men take advantage of this effect by rubbing the drug on their penises so as to last longer during sex. This reduces the pleasure that the man receives, causing him to take longer to reach orgasm. The same effect can be achieved legally and relatively inexpensively through anesthetizing creams available in many sex toy stores.

Heroin
Heroin can reduce sexual responses in both sexes. Men on heroin have difficulty achieving erections and ejaculating, while women on heroin produce less vaginal lubrication and have more difficulty reaching orgasm. Heavy use of heroin can lower the libido.

GHB
In small doses, the effects of GHB are similar to those of alcohol. At these doses, GHB lowers inhibitions and increases sexual desire. However, the potency of this drug is often unpredictable, and in doses only slightly larger than are taken recreationally, it can cause the user to vomit or pass out and can even result in death. GHB is particularly dangerous in combination with alcohol and other depressants.

GHB is clear, odorless, and almost tasteless. Because the drug is not easily detected, and because of its sedative affect, it is sometimes used as a tool for date rape. The assaulter can secretly put the drug into the victim’s drink, and rape the victim when s/he is unconscious. Victims of this sort of date rape often do not later remember that they have been assaulted.

Nicotine
Nicotine can affect erectile tissue and the muscles involved in producing an erection, thus causing impotence. Men who smoke tobacco are twice as likely to be impotent as non-smoking men of the same age. Using nicotine in combination with cardiac drugs, antihypertensive medications or vasodilators drastically increases a man’s probability of complete impotence.

Tobacco can cause men to produce fewer sperm, and can cause deformities in the remaining sperm. These deformities reduce the motility of the sperm, and in pregnancies caused by these deformed sperm there is a greater chance of miscarriage or health problems for the fetus. Children whose fathers have smoked tobacco at some point have a greater risk of cancer, even if the father stopped smoking before the child was conceived.

Marijuana
For the first half hour after consuming marijuana, the drug causes excitement and euphoria and increases the user’s heart rate. The user may interpret these effects as sexual excitement. However, after half an hour, marijuana has a sedative effect.

Long-term use of marijuana generally has a negative effect on sexuality. Chronic heavy use of marijuana can lower the libido. There is some evidence that it can cause erectile dysfunction as well. In women, marijuana can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

Long-term use of marijuana can lower sperm production or cause sperm to develop abnormally. Long-term use can also lower testosterone levels. Both of these effects go away after marijuana use ceases.

Many people find sex under the influence of marijuana to be especially enjoyable. According to Adverse Drug Effects by Jennifer Kelly, marijuana “enhances sensory experiences, and so is described by some as an aphrodisiac.” One marijuana user claims, “Marijuana makes everything feel more sensual. That includes touch, music and definitely taste; and definitely for not just the orgasm, but the entire sexual experience. When both partners are under the influence of marijuana and naked and horny and rubbing their bodies together, it feels like it’s the first time they’ve ever been naked and horny and rubbing their bodies together.”

Some feel that marijuana makes orgasms longer and more intense. This may be a result of the distorted sense of time that marijuana use causes. Studies have found no measurable differences in the length or intensity of the orgasms of people on marijuana, even when the subjects felt that their orgasms had been longer and more intense.

Marijuana does not always make sex more enjoyable. Marijuana sometimes causes nervousness and self-consciousness, especially in people who are unfamiliar with the drug or are in unfamiliar situations. These emotions can interfere with sexual desire. Marijuana also impairs one’s motor skills, making the user clumsy, which can damage one’s performance during sex.

Viagra
Viagra is intended to treat erectile dysfunction and other erection problems in men. It does so by increasing blood flow to the penis. Viagra will not have this effect unless the man is sexually excited. Therefore, it is only helpful to men with physical reasons for their erection problems, and is not effective in treating erection difficulties that have psychological roots. However, one user of Viagra reports that the drug can indirectly alleviate some such problems. When not on Viagra, if he noticed that his erection was starting to get a little less firm, he would become anxious, and the anxiety would cause him to lose his erection all together. When on Viagra, he would never even start to lose his erection, so the anxiety would never occur in the first place and could not cause him to lose his erection.

Amphetamine: Brief History, Law

Amphetamine usage

Swallowing

Amphetamine is least dangerous when swallowed.

Inhaling

Some users sniff ("snort") speed up the nose, through a straw or a rolled-up banknote, which produces a faster, more intense effect than swallowing it. Snorting is, however, rough on the nostrils (one user described it as "like shoving chilli powder up your nose").

Injecting

Some users inject speed, which is extremely dangerous. There's a real chance of overdosing because you never know how strong the dosage is, and the heart can't take the shock. What's more, if you share needles, you risk being infected with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C. So don't inject.

Amphetamine stimulates the nervous system. It acts like adrenaline: your blood pressure goes up, your heart thumps and your body temperature rises.

The effects of amphetamine are quite predictable, but only when a very small amount is taken. More can cause unexpected adverse reactions.

• Within 20-30 minutes of swallowing speed (less if it's snorted or injected) there's a "rush" through the body and a feeling of being energetic, alert and self-confident.
• Everything speeds up and seems urgent. Users feel they're capable of doing things beyond their ability, such as driving safely at a high speed. THEY AREN'T.
• There's often a sense of feeling pumped up that lasts for hours. People stay awake for long periods and dance non-stop.
• People become very talkative but, although what they say will sound good to them, it's likely to be gibberish. They may start talking to strangers, which isn't a good idea.
• Amphetamine raises body temperature, so there's a real risk of overheating, which can be very dangerous especially if it's taken with alcohol or ecstasy.

Amphetamine is short for AlphaMethylPHEneThylAMINE, a man-made drug first created over 100 years ago. It's a powerful stimulant that triggers the central nervous system, making a person more alert and energetic.

Form

• Amphetamine comes as a white powder that looks like salt, or sometimes as a pill or paste.
• The powder usually comes in a folded paper envelope called a "wrap" that contains about 1 g of powder.
• However, most wraps only contain about 5 mg of actual amphetamine as it's often been "cut" with rubbish to pad it out. The extras could harm you, especially if snorted or injected. No-one knows how much is in a wrap - even half a wrap can have a powerful effect.

Brief history

Amphetamines were discovered in 1887 by a German chemist. In the 1930s they became popular as over-the-counter "pep pills". Soldiers were given amphetamines during the Second World War to stop them from falling asleep on the job. In the 1960s, people began to take them so that they could party all night. In the 1970s, amphetamine sulphate became an illegal recreational drug.


Is it addictive?

Strictly speaking, speed isn't addictive. Users don't become dependent quickly, BUT with regular use they will reach a stage where they can't manage without it. The only way to combat the depression and exhaustion that can follow a speed high is to take more. And if this goes on for days, you'll finally collapse, becoming jittery and paranoid as if suffering from a psychotic illness.

THE HIGHS GET LESS HIGH AND THE LOWS GET MUCH LOWER WITH PROLONGED USE


Drinking enough

Taking stimulants in a hot club raises your body temperature even more. If you're dancing for hours your temperature is likely to go through the roof. If you OVERHEAT your body sweats buckets and you must replace these lost fluids. Make sure you drink a half-pint of non-alcoholic liquid every half an hour. BUT DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH WATER TOO QUICKLY.


Taking amphetamine doesn't necessarily lead to a fun-filled evening. Different people react in different ways:

• the rush of energy you feel may make you anxious and nervy, instead of self-confident - you may even have a panic attack
• your pounding heart and twitching limbs may make you feel out of control and one step away from a heart attack
• you can still be "wired" 12 hours after taking even a small amount, and unable to sleep. For the next few days you'll feel run down and low. In addition, you'll have wrecked your body's sleeping pattern
• you may also need to go to the toilet a lot

There can be some serious physical side effects to taking amphetamine.

Overheating A rocketing body temperature over 38°C will make you delirious. If you're dehydrated, you risk getting heatstroke, which can result in unconsciousness.

Brain swelling If you drink too much water too quickly your brain may suffer water poisoning, leading to unconsciousness and rapid death. The risk depends on how much you sweat, but drinking more than three pints of water per hour is very dangerous.

Pain and sickness You may get body cramps, a splitting headache and be sick.

Increased heart-rate Even if you're young and healthy, using amphetamine can lead to a heart attack. Your heart could stop altogether and that equals DEATH.

Liver and kidney failure Can occur if a high dose of speed is mixed with alcohol, and both conditions are fatal.

High blood pressure Small blood vessels may burst in your brain, leading to paralysis or coma.

Hyperventilation Your breathing may be irregular.

Life-threatening condition An extreme reaction, sometimes called sledging, to mixing amphetamine with other drugs, such as ecstasy, ketamine or alcohol. It could happen the first time you take it. You'll be freezing cold and shivering violently; you'll feel like you're going to die (and you might); you'll be unable to speak or move your body; you'll feel as though you're drifting into a sleep from which you won't wake (and you might not).

IF YOU SEE SOMEONE WITH ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, call an ambulance IMMEDIATELY.


Stay with friends Being with friends may improve your mood, and you'll be able to look out for each other. Make sure you tell each other what you've taken.
Replace lost fluids Sip a half-pint of liquid every half an hour: high-energy sports drinks are best, then fruit juice or water. Don't drink alcohol - it makes you more dehydrated, and is nasty when combined with amphetamine.
Replace lost salts When you sweat, your body loses a lot of salt and minerals. To replace these, and avoid aching limbs the next morning, eat salted crisps or peanuts. This isn't easy as you won't feel hungry.
Cool down regularly Non-stop dancing can cause overheating. The chill-out room is there to help your body to recover, so use it. You can also splash water on your face, or try going outside. Don't wear a hat - you're more likely to overheat.

Speed and ecstasy
Many people combine amphetamine and ecstasy because they want the good feeling of ecstasy and the energy of amphetamine. But this double combination of stimulants means that you're twice as likely to get heatstroke or have a heart attack.

BE CAREFUL: THE DANCE/DRUG COMBINATION CAN CAUSE REAL PROBLEMS

The Law

• Amphetamine is a Class B drug - this doesn't mean it's safer than Class A drugs.
• You may be charged with possession if you have a small amount of amphetamine on you. However, the more you have the less likely it is to be for your own use and you may be charged with possession with intent to supply.
• The penalty for possession with intent to supply is jail and/or a large fine.

Handling the comedown

• Go home or to a friend's house with a group of people with whom you're comfortable.
• To relax and warm up, have a shower, put on clean clothes and make some sweet tea. It's easy to catch cold after clubbing, especially if you're wearing a T-shirt drenched in sweat.
• You won't feel like it, but eat and drink well. High-energy sports drinks, chocolate, milk shakes, fruit juice, bananas, cereal and ice cream are all good.
• Put on some soothing music; avoid music with a rhythmic beat - your heart will start pounding again and it'll make you panicky.
• Try to get some sleep. It's the only way you'll be able to recover.

This is the bit no-one tells you about. As the high wears off:

• all your energy will drain out of you
• you'll become lethargic, weak and tired
• you may feel slightly paranoid and depressed
• you may well worry about trivial things
• you may well feel isolated and out of touch with people around you
• you'll feel utterly exhausted but your brain will still be racing and sleep will be impossible.

DON'T TAKE TRANQUILLIZERS
Some people take tranquillizers to help them sleep. You just don't know how your body is going to react to this sort of drug cocktail, either short- or long-term. SO DON'T TAKE THE RISK.

It's your body as well as your pocket that pays. Your body has been forced by the amphetamine to provide extra energy, and this energy "loan" has to be paid back when the drug wears off. You'll be exhausted and feel terrible. Heavy, regular amphetamine use can also have serious psychological effects: it can lead to a complete mental breakdown and amphetamine psychosis, which means you become paranoid, agitated and suspicious of everybody.


If something goes wrong


panic attack
If your friend is paranoid, anxious and starts to panic take her to a quiet room away from large groups of people and try to reassure her. Offer her a hot drink or some water, and keep talking to her. Don't let her wander off alone. If your friend begins panting (hyperventilating), get her to try to breathe normally by copying you.

unconsciousness
If your friend is breathing, place him in the recovery position. Call an ambulance.
Tell the medical staff what your friend has taken - it could save his life.

• Be prepared to resuscitate your friend if he stops breathing.
• If your friend vomits while unconscious, check that he's still breathing.

overheating
Move your friend to a cool place and give her sips of high-energy sports drinks, fruit juice or water - don't let her drink too quickly as this is very dangerous. Splash cool water on her head if she's abnormally hot. Get medical help.

inability to speak or move
This may be the first sign of a life-threatening condition sometimes known as sledging. If your friend is also cold and begins to shiver violently, there is no time to lose. Keep your friend awake. Call an ambulance.