Alcoholism and/or drug addiction are two of the most insidious, most destructive diseases in existence. Not only do they affect the millions of sufferers, these conditions directly affect all those with whom they come into contact. The closer to the alcoholic or drug addict a person is, the greater the effect. The partners of these people are the ones who suffer as much or possibly more than do the alcoholic or addict themselves. The effect of alcohol or drugs on a person’s sex life is, over time, devastating.
Alcohol has long been used as a method to initiate sexual activity. It can be an excellent social lubricant when used sparingly and in moderation. Because alcohol is a depressant, a couple of drinks can lower inhibitions, thus allowing for a more expressive and exciting sexual encounter. Likewise, certain drugs can stimulate a person into a point of sexual frenzy. Others can give people the feeling of an out of body, almost spiritual, experience. However, the effects of both alcohol and drugs is short lived and can leave one in a depressed state or in the mindset of having to use more to achieve or maintain the euphoric state of mind that exists when under the influence.
The long-term effects of alcohol on a person’s sex life can be much more devastating. From a social perspective, the alcoholic may exhibit bouts of anger or depression instead of a personable, social demeanor. As it is impossible to predict what personality traits will emerge when drinking, many prospective sex partners are reluctant to become physically or emotionally close to this person, especially when they are drinking. As alcoholism progresses, the physical need for alcohol and the accompanying mental obsession that is inherent with this disease increases and becomes the focal point of the alcoholic’s life. Over time, all other obligations and considerations are dismissed by the alcoholic, including sex. In addition, with men, excessive alcohol consumption makes it harder to achieve and maintain an erection. For women, it can produce vaginal dryness and deaden physical sensations, thereby making it difficult to reach orgasm.
This does not even take into consideration the mindset of the alcoholic’s partner. What partner wants to have sex with a person whose mood is so unpredictable that they can go from happy and carefree to depressed and enraged in a matter of minutes? The toll that alcoholism takes on the partners of alcoholics over time makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for them to maintain an emotionally caring attitude for the alcoholic. They grow tired of the lies, empty promises and social embarrassments. Though they may still love their partner, they become distant and fall into a hopelessness of their own.
Drug addiction typically follows the same progression as alcoholism, but, depending on the drug, the time from occasional, recreational use to being trapped in the hopelessness of addiction is usually much shorter. In severe cases, the addict’s insatiable craving for the next using episode combined with the physical effects of withdrawal from the last, make them undesirable as sexual partners.
Some drugs, most notably cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, have reputations for increasing sexual drive or promoting more exciting, longer lasting sexual encounters. Though these claims may be true to a point, in the long term, these drugs can cause erection and orgasm problems, not to mention the legal risks involved.
The most effective way to ensure an active and exciting sex life is to stimulate the body’s most powerful sex organ – the brain. Stimulating the brain by the use of mental visual-verbal stimulation, there is no drug that is a more potent sexual aphrodisiac.
Anyone who suspects that they or their partner displays alcoholic and/or addictive tendencies is urged to seek the aid of a counselor trained in addiction therapy.
In our next post, we will discuss the issue of Childbirth and Sexless Marriages.
In the meantime, please visit our website, Sexual Solutions, LLC to learn how we can help you to “Bring back the sizzle!” Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about news, specials and new products.
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