Two Behaviors: One Addiction?
Although the intersection of stimulant abuse and sexual behavior is extremely under-researched, in recent years it has become increasingly apparent that there are many individuals who abuse or are addicted to stimulants who consistently fuse their drug use with sexual activity. It is also clear that when a stimulant drug addict consistently fuses drugs with sex, the sexual fantasy/behavior can both reinforce the intensity and frequency of chronic or binge drug abuse and act as a significant contributor to post-treatment relapse. One recent study (focused on HIV+ gay men and methamphetamine use) strongly supports this idea, finding the leading factor for crystal meth use for these individuals was sexual enhancement, including lowered inhibitions and prolonged duration of sexual encounters.1 The study concluded that with some addicts it is virtually impossible to separate their sexual behavior from their drug abuse. While this study is limited in scope and focused on a specific population, it is not unreasonable to assume that as further, broader studies are conducted these findings will translate across the board. After all, the plethora of research on stimulant abuse shows remarkably consistent results, particularly in terms of how it affects patterns of decision-making, overall functioning, and social isolation – regardless of cultural background or the specific stimulant abused.
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Kudos to you and anyone else in the helping professions who can successfully treat this vexing cross-over of addictions. You have painted a clear picture of a frightening way to live; your work helps to restore life and hope.
I suspect it has more to do with addiction, than sex. It seems to me that for most addicts, it is more about the substance than the abuse. They seem to have an itch that needs to be scratched; and the “substance” they use to relieve the feelings is somewhat transparent; but almost always related to “neurobiology”. As always, it seems the real question is nature. Are some genetically predisposed to be addicts; or is it a question of some childhood or early life trauma/event? Or, is it a combination of both? Either way, my life experiences suggest that treating addiction is never an easy task; even as we come to learn more about addiction.
Yes, we need to have a wholistic approach to the treatment of addiction ~whether it is single, dual or poly-addiction. It is the same process that is going on that reflects an imbalance in the addict’s life.
Even the old A.A. 12-Steps Program must be re-examined. Addiction cannot be effectively treating divorced from the cultural-environmental surroundings.
We need a progressive recovery that relates to the whole human being in the trinity of the mind-body-soul. The recovering addict must retrain the brain, get involved in life and support progressives causes and issues. In effect, get out of any strictly self-centered mode of living and smack down any self-pity. c.s