• the217
• Life
• Living the high life: the dangers of drugs and sex

Related Media

Sex 411
•When using, stay with people you trust
•Don’t mix drugs, interactions can be dangerous
•Plan ahead to be safe — bring plenty of condoms, lube, and make your intentions clear beforehand
•Call 911 in an emergency

Related Articles

• Talking to your provider about sexual health

In doing research for recent columns we once again came across information about the negative consequences that can occur when drugs and sex are combined — including injuries. This led us to think about ways drugs may be used recreationally during sex. All drugs, whether illegal or prescription, impact the body in multiple ways, so “Doin’ It Well” decided to explore sex while high.

Why Get High?

Before we can talk about why people may combine drugs and sex, we have to ask why folks use these drugs in the first place. Although the drugs we’ll talk about have a variety of different effects, most of them help the user to temporarily relax or escape in some way. Like many things we may do in our lives, from video games to exercising, they may just be a way to unwind. So during sex, many of these drugs are used to either increase sensations or decrease anxieties.

As we’ve discussed before, alcohol is probably the most used drug in the US during (and leading up to) sex, partly because it reduces the user’s inhibitions. If someone is too nervous to talk about sex sober, the alcohol or drugs may increase comfort with approaching someone sexually. In fact, even when people are tricked into believing they have been drinking but haven’t, they are more comfortable sexually. So some of the effect — like Dumbo’s feather — is placebo!

There are several other types of drugs that get combined with sex, also. We are not experts in drug-use or addictions, so if you have any questions, please talk to your healthcare provider or an addictions specialist.

Marijuana

Marijuana, like alcohol, may make people friendlier and less inhibited. Some users say that they felt more free to be sexual — both emotionally and physically. At higher levels of use, though, users felt more withdrawn and less engaged with their partners. Also, marijuana is cited as decreasing sperm density and motility, which could be a drawback if you’re trying to get pregnant. And, depending on the variety of the weed, paranoia and insecurity can mess with good communication with a partner, and increase anxiety around sex.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens, which can include LSD and mushrooms, are drugs that disrupt the nervous system producing hallucinations and “trips.” Most hallucinogens aren’t addictive, but they produce a dissociative state in users, which can make sex unlikely, although some people say they have increased sexual awareness and feelings while on these drugs.

Viagra

As far as we know, men are the ones taking this recreationally. With Viagra, the goal isn’t to relax or escape but just to get an erection. Viagra is often combined with other drug use, perhaps due to the fact that other drugs reduce the conditions that make normal, healthy sexual functioning possible. It may be worthwhile to consider the multiple ways we need to “drug up” in order to experience sex, an activity that should be inherently pleasurable and make us feel good about ourselves.

Ecstasy & Crystal Meth

Ecstasy, also known as E, X, or MDMA, and Crystal Meth (methamphetamines) are club drugs that produce an energized, frenetic state in users. These drugs produce a rush of dopamine in the brain which can cause extended periods of euphoria. Users are known for their dissociative, heightened sensual awareness, especially touch. Ecstasy is sometimes combined with Viagra, called Sextasy. Both drugs have a long list of negative effects from heat stroke to paranoia to aggression. Negative effects can include impotence, inability to achieve orgasm and increased injury during sex due to pain insensitivity.

Poppers

Poppers, which are the street name for alkyl or butyl nitrate, are popular in the gay club scene. Poppers come in small bottles which are usually inhaled, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure as blood leaves the extremities, leaving the heart to pump extra hard to keep blood flow to the brain. This effect causes the body to relax and users to have an intense flush feeling for a few minutes after use. Medical warnings have been released in the past several years warning users against combining Viagra and poppers, as both drugs produce a sudden drop in blood pressure that can be dangerous together.

Before You Do

With most drug use and sex, use of condoms and other safe sex measures is decreased. Additionally, these drugs can impair a person to the point where they no longer get consent from their partners, increasing the risk of sexual assault. Check out the 411 for ways to be safe if you choose to use during sex.

Stay tuned until next week when we’ll answer a reader’s question.