Dr. David Fawcett
Like other addictions, paired substance/sex addiction creates consequences that are far beyond the imagination of users when they first begin to experiment with these behaviors. People are initially pulled into these behaviors by the intensity and pleasure they provide, as well as the numbing and distraction they provide. Unfortunately, things can quickly begin to fall apart, affecting the individual’s physical, psychological, interpersonal, spiritual, and sexual life.
Physical Consequences
There are abundant physical consequences with sexualized drug use, most notably sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These range from the more dangerous STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B and C to largely treatable STIs such as gonorrhea and syphilis. Other dangerous physical consequences include liver and kidney damage. Amphetamine users face cardiac risks, including pulmonary hypertension, cardiac infarcts (heart attacks), and stroke. Other drugs, such as GHB/GBL (gamma hydroxybutyrate), can cause respiratory failure when taken in large quantities. GHB/GBL are close cousins of Rohypnol, the so-called date rape drug, and their use in drug and sexual contexts has also led to in an increase in sexual assaults. Finally, the dangers of alcohol, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications), and opioids include an intense, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous withdrawal, to the point where detoxification from these drugs should always be medically supervised.
Psychological Consequences
In the face of excessive stimulation and/or numbing, as we see with sexualized drug use, the brain tries to maintain a homeostasis. One of the ways the brain compensates is by shedding dopamine receptors. This effectively allows the brain to self-regulate by “turning down the volume” on dopamine. In early sobriety, this can result in a period of anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure), which may in turn result in feelings of hopelessness and depression.
Another psychological impact of paired substance/sex addiction, particularly with amphetamines, is a dramatic increase in psychotic episodes, especially paranoia. It is common for stimulant drug users, especially those who have used too much methamphetamine, to scan air vents for microphones and cameras and to sincerely believe that there are vast law enforcement efforts dedicated to following their every move. The psychotic features caused by meth can be quite profound and, in a growing fraction of meth users, will persist even into recovery.
Interpersonal Consequences
One of the most profound ways in which interpersonal relationships are impacted by substance/sex addiction involves addicts losing the ability to correctly read and interpret social cues. Several studies have documented reduced recognition of facial expressions in chronic stimulant users. Needless to say, misreading social cues in that way can and will negatively impact all of an addict’s relationships.
Another interpersonal consequence of substance/sex addiction involves the objectification (the sexualization) of other people. Objectification can become so automatic that when an addict sees a stranger on the street, the stranger will be quickly objectified and turned into a sexual object with no humanity.
A third interpersonal consequence of substance/sex addiction is related to both the misreading of social cues and the tendency toward objectification described above. This consequence is a decrease in empathy.
A final interpersonal consequence of sexualized drug use is that addiction becomes the primary relationship for the addict. The addict may have a spouse or children but, ultimately, it is the addiction that takes priority. Manipulation, deceit, and rationalization are utilized to protect the addiction, and the impact of those behaviors on others is minimized.
Spiritual Consequences
Paired substance/sex addiction takes a toll on spiritual connections as well. Please understand that I am not referring to religious beliefs, although such beliefs may indeed be affected. Instead, I am referring to a loss of connectedness with the world, with loved ones, and with the self. This means that substance/sex addicts can lose their sense of purpose in life. In active addiction, they direct most of their daily energy toward preserving the addiction and the behaviors that support it. Gradually, everything else becomes less important.
Other Consequences
There is one other category of significant consequences experienced by sexualized drug users: sexual issues. These consequences are numerous and varied, and deserve an article all to themselves, which I will provide in my next post to this site.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with sex, porn, or substance/sex addiction, Seeking Integrity can help. In addition to residential rehab, we offer low-cost online workgroups for male sex addicts and male porn addicts. Click HERE for information on our Sex Addiction Workgroup. Click HERE for information on our Porn Addiction workgroup.