Sexual Risk-Taking and Addiction

Many drugs have direct effects on a person’s physical and emotional states; however, numerous indirect consequences, including the increased likelihood of sexual risk-taking that is associated with addiction, can be equally detrimental to the individual’s well-being.  

How Addiction Can Make a Person More Likely to Take Chances in Sexual Encounters

• Disinhibition – Many drugs can make a person feel less inhibited. One of the most common substances that is known to lower inhibitions is alcohol.  Particularly on college campuses and in the club scene, alcohol consumption can make people who would otherwise not do so agree to having sex with partners who are strangers or more than one partner at the same time.  They may also no longer be able to understand or care about consequences like sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy while inebriated, and they may not use condoms or other forms of birth control. Another drug known to increase libido and desire is ecstasy (MDMA), which is common among ravers.  Although cocaine can temporarily make a person more interested in sex, it can also result in erectile dysfunction.  Crystal meth also has a reputation for enhancing sexual enjoyment and libido; its use is particularly problematic in the gay community at present.
• Acquiring the Drug – An unfortunate trend among drug addicts is performing sexual acts in exchange for the drug or money to purchase it. Those who have had an addiction for a long time often find themselves without enough cash to obtain the substance but dependent on it nonetheless.  Outsiders may have difficulty accepting and understanding why their loved one would choose what amounts to prostitution; it is often a sign of an addict’s feeling of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair.
• Sex Addiction – Sex addicts commonly take risks as part of the nature of the addiction.  They may get a thrill from cheating on their current partner or having sex in areas that are public.  Sleeping with strangers whom they solicited at a park or over the internet may be part of an elaborate coping mechanism against past trauma; doing so is a sign of detachment that may occur if the person has developed a negative attitude toward sex and relationships as a result of abuse.

Additional Consequences of Sexual Risk-Taking

• Unwanted Pregnancy – As mentioned, many people either do not care or do not think about using birth control while under the influence of various drugs.  This can be particularly problematic if a woman has sex with someone she does not know and may never see again.
• Rape – Many people who are accused of rape or date rape argue that inebriation resulted in unclear communication about whether intercourse is mutual. To avoid the situation entirely, it is best to have a plan and tell your friends to keep you accountable before going to parties or public places where alcohol or other substances will be used.
• Disease – HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and numerous sexually transmitted diseases are an indirect but very real consequence of drug use.
• Regret and Poor Self-Esteem – The majority of people feel regret after having a risky sexual encounter, even if they don’t admit it.  People who do so with regularity may perpetuate a negative sense of self-esteem.

Addicts who are engaging in any of the aforementioned risky sexual behaviors may need help to stop these actions as well as the addiction itself.  Think about finding a professional interventionist to help get them back to a sober life before the consequences continue to have rippling effects.