Sex Under the Influence

Written by Tara Tainton

Sunday, 28 August 2005 23:00

We're always seeking more pleasure, more partners, more experiences. And with the advent of those physiologically and psychologically altering substances, we hear the reasons why sex is better with a little assistance while we also hear why that bout of great sex could be our last due to the toxins we're willingly inserting in our bodies.

So, what's the real scoop? While your WebMistress must quietly refrain from adding her own opinions to this subject, I do find the topic interesting as we've all heard, considered, or tried to aid our sexual experience in a variety of ways, all in the name of heightened pleasure. So, what works and what doesn't? And what might do more harm than good in the process?

The University of California at Santa Barbara has an excellent article found in its Sex Info site concerning "Sex Under the Influence." It's nice to see some source at least naming the good effects of certain substances. I don't think we should be afraid of naming the truth, even if we have a bias ourselves and want to sway an audience. Unfortunately, this article is indeed heavily biased and only includes brief synopses of the effects of alcohol, ecstasy, and marijuana. Do they believe those are the only drugs available or desired by their student body? Are they too afraid to even name the other libations marketed on the streets? And humorously, an entire page and lone article is devoted to the sexual effects of Viagra, complete with a link directly to the drug so that the school can earn a little money from touting it.

Back to the facts at hand. Well, the biased facts anyway. Let's see what the UCSB has to say about why sexual seekers are using these substances and why they shouldn't be.

Alcohol

I still hear random voices surrounding me in public places today confirming that they have the goal of either getting drunk or getting another drunk to make sex all the more available to them and hoping that the alcohol in their blood streams will cut down on the amount of regret they feel after doing the nasty.

The Good

"Many people use alcohol to “loosen up.” ...Indeed, alcohol lowers one’s inhibitions, which allows people to feel less guilty about their activities. Alcohol gives people a little more courage to do what they desire, and less aware of what they are doing... When used responsibly, sex and alcohol can go together."

The Bad

"Alcohol will not make people do things they would not normally consider doing while in a sober state of mind, except that alcohol increases the chances of stumbling, falling, crashing cars and making other blunders. However, there are many dangers in using alcohol in sexual situations" such as doing something you regret later, didn't intend to do beforehand, having unprotected sex, or completely forgetting where you were or what you did. And we all know that can take place even when not ingesting a substance of some kind.

Marijuana

The Good

"Marijuana has the reputed effect of elevating mood and arousal and stimulating sexual activity. Just think of the common stereotype of the "sex-crazed, dope-fiend" - the use of marijuana has been quite eroticized. ...the drug does enhance mood and reduce inhibitions, much in the way that alcohol does. ...There are some that claim a greater bond between partners, claiming marijuana facilitates a more beautiful, spiritual connection: "It may be a turn-on toward an aura of gentleness, sensitivity, and glow.'"

The Bad

"In reality, sex under the influence of marijuana isn't always so romantic. ...it also plays quite fickly with libido. ...The flip side to this is that lovers feel that marijuana takes each one of them into his or her own personal space and distances them: "It creates a separating, fuzzy, dreamlike quality that diffuses the reality of sex." In regards to the rumors that marijuana heightens sexual climax, much scientific research seems to discredit that. Marijuana may distort the time sense, with the resulting illusion of prolonged arousal and orgasm. Chronic marijuana smokers do show signs of infertility - men may have lower sperm counts and women may have abnormal ovulation (but this does not mean that marijuana is effective in preventing pregnancy…marijuana is not a contraceptive!). As well, marijuana is believed to inhibit testosterone synthesis in males."

Ecstasy

The Good

"With a name like this, it's no wonder why so many people are eager to try those little pills and ride the "rush" of X. ...One of the great appeals of MDMA is the drug's ability to change ones mood and energy. X's high, referred to by many users as the "rush," is said to be better than the high produced by cocaine. ...MDMA, a "people drug" or the "Love Drug," is said to enhance closeness and communication. Some users think of X as a "social lubricant to be shared with a lover or close friends." This loving, emotional response produced by MDMA may be the reason why it is so often thought of as an aphrodisiac. ...MDMA does enhance sensual pleases (touching, physical closeness, etc.). ...MDMA may help in reducing inhibitions, thus facilitating sexual encounters. ...Some might see the delay of male orgasm as an advantage, as he would have an erection for a long period of time, allowing the couple to have a kind of sexual marathon."

The Bad

"But life on X isn't all bliss and pleasure - there are dangers to even this entranced, psychedelic drug. ...MDMA negatively affects the serotonin levels and degenerates nerve terminals in certain areas of the brain. Because of this "neurotoxicity," users may experience chronic depression after coming down from the "rush" (this finding is still being researched). ...Ecstasy can have some very serious consequences attached to it, including death, many of which are results of temperature regulation. The body cannot sweat under the drug's influence which can cause heat stroke, or if the user tries to remedy the problem by drinking a lot of water, it can cause hyponatermia or "water intoxication." ...it also tampers with the workings of the sexual response. Both partners can encounter lack of lubrication while under the effect of the drug due to dehydration. As well, studies have found that MDMA interferes with erections and usually inhibits orgasms for both men and women. ...MDMA has been associated with risk taking behavior (multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, etc.)."