Sherman Oaks, CA – The relationship between methamphetamine and sex isn’t discussed often. Seeking Integrity, a treatment center focused on sex addiction and related conditions, recently explored that topic in a post on their blog.
Meth can act as an aphrodisiac, according to the blog, and is often used as an accompaniment to sex. It’s most commonly associated with the gay community, but the blog is quick to point out mixing meth and sex, also known as “chemsex,” isn’t a concern for that community alone. “Indeed, one study found that some form of substance use before or during sex occurred in up to 36% of young adults, with roughly 7% taking methamphetamine as their drug of choice,” the article shares.
“When meth is used, it creates a surge of dopamine in the brain’s reward center. This is combined with increased progesterone activation, as well as boosted norepinephrine and adrenaline levels,” Seeking Integrity explains. They also add that the typical stimulant effects of meth, such as euphoria and energy, can also make mixing meth and sex more appealing. The blog says libido also increases with meth, and can make sexual encounters last longer. “When paired with already-pleasurable activities like sex, meth floods the brain’s reward circuitry with even higher amounts of dopamine, creating a pronounced euphoric high,” the article informs the reader.
Frequent meth use can have negative effects, though, and the blog addresses those as well. “Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and reduced feelings of control are common. Sex becomes less pleasurable. Additional side effects include an inability to feel pleasure generally, as well as physical health impacts such as weight loss, dental deterioration, and skin disease,” the blog says. It can lead to mental health conditions, too, according to Seeking Integrity.
The blog also highlights the additional risks that come with mixing meth and sex. “Meth impairs judgment, leading to an increase in risk-taking behavior. When this is combined with sexual activity, these risks are often amplified,” the article points out. People who combine meth and sex often have more sexual partners, and are more likely to practice unsafe sex, according to the blog. Seeking Integrity also addresses the increased risk of sexual abuse, with meth sometimes leading to heightened sexual fantasies and aggression. That can be a dangerous mix for some individuals.
“When your partner uses meth as a part of sex more and more frequently, they may begin to develop a meth use disorder, a sex addiction, or likely a combination of both known as a co-occurring disorder,” Seeking Integrity warns in the next portion of the blog. Meth use and sex addiction both involve escaping into fantasy, and when paired together, each behavior can be a trigger for the other, the blog explains. “The euphoric high from taking meth as a part of sex only reinforces the pathways in the brain that promote sexual addiction. This in turn only increases the desire for meth in the future. As this constantly building cycle continues, the high from the two behaviors become tightly interlinked,” Seeking Integrity says. That cycle can be self-reinforcing, and it can spin out of control spectacularly fast.
The blog continues on to explain the consequences of meth addiction in particular. The person with a meth use disorder will likely build a tolerance and require more of the substance, and this can take a physical, social, and psychological toll. “Relationships can be strained, with family and loved ones feeling betrayed. Paranoia, anxiety, and depression can set in as your partner tries and fails to stop these behaviors,” the article says, shining a light on an experience that might be familiar to many readers. It reminds the readers of something hopeful, though: the cycle can be broken. Help is available.
Seeking Integrity emphasizes the importance of treating someone experiencing both sex addiction and meth addiction comprehensively. That means addressing both conditions simultaneously. They close the blog by reminding the audience that they’re capable of doing just that.
Seeking Integrity is composed of masters-level clinicians who are laser-focused on sex and porn addiction. They serve people in need worldwide, and are dedicated to bringing world-class treatment and empathy to the individuals they work with. To learn more about Seeking Integrity, visit their website, or call them at 1-747-234-4325.
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For more information about Seeking Integrity, contact the company here:
Seeking Integrity
Erin Snow
1-747-234-4325
erin@seekingintegrity.com
14925 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 300
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
