Bouncing Back in the Bedroom: Can Men Recover Sexual Prowess After Kicking Drugs?

Drug abuse can have a significant negative impact on sex and sexual performance in men. After quitting the use of cocaine, alcohol, heroin or other addictive substances, many are left wondering whether they will experience a return of their libido and sexual function. There have been several recent studies exploring this issue. Let’s first examine the effects of drug abuse on a man’s sexual performance.

Drug Abuse And Sex

Marijuana is a commonly used drug among young men, but how does its use affect sexual health? According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, marijuana use may cause erectile dysfunction by stimulating certain receptors in the penis.

Cocaine, which is sometimes thought of as an aphrodisiac, can actually cause impaired or delayed ejaculation. Alcohol abuse (alcoholism) is well-known to cause erectile dysfunction. A representative study reported that 72 percent of the 100 men in the study had at least one sexual dysfunction, with the most common issues being erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low sexual desire. Heroin use has been shown to reduce sexual desire and sexual feelings while also causing ejaculation problems and erectile dysfunction.

Studies On Drug Abuse And Sexual Performance

Researchers at the University of Granada in Spain and Santo Tomas University in Colombia evaluated the long-term effects of drug abuse on men’s sexual performance after quitting these drugs. The study group included 905 men, of which 549 had a history of battling addiction to substances such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or a mix of cocaine and heroin (speedball). The remaining 356 men were included as controls.

The men were assessed in four areas concerning sexual performance: libido, sexual arousal (achieving an erection), orgasm, and sexual satisfaction:

• Orgasm was most commonly impaired by the use of heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and speedball.
• Sexual pleasure was most affected by cocaine and speedball use.
• Cocaine and speedball use had a slight impact on libido.
• Alcohol abuse had the most significant impact on sexual arousal.

Overall, recovering drug abusers had worse sexual performance than controls, even after a long period of abstinence (one year).

In another study, researchers explored the sexual performance of men who used heroin and then enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program. The sexual function of 30 men was evaluated both before and after they completed a six-month methadone treatment program. Before treatment, 69 percent of men reported mild to moderate sexual dysfunction, and 23 percent said they had severe problems. The remaining 8 percent reported no difficulties with sexual performance.

After the six months of treatment, sexual dysfunction showed some improvement, but the majority of men who had used heroin still experienced sexual dysfunction even after abstaining for six months.

Recovering Sexual Function

Cleaning up from drug abuse is a challenging but critical step toward better health. Men who have a history of drug abuse often experience sexual dysfunction during their recovery. Help is available, however. Men facing this challenge are encouraged to seek help from medical professionals, drug rehabilitation counselors, and sex therapists to assist them in regaining their sexual function.

It’s important to understand that recovery takes time, and it may require a combination of therapies or interventions to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and sexual health. Open communication with healthcare providers and mental health professionals is key to ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate treatments tailored to their specific needs and concerns.

Additionally, joining support groups and engaging in self-care activities can help promote overall well-being and create a strong foundation for recovery. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can further boost health and vitality, which are essential for sexual health and performance.

Ultimately, overcoming the negative impact of drug use on sexual performance requires patience, commitment, and a strong support network. By seeking help and taking proactive steps to improve overall health, men who are recovering from drug abuse can work towards regaining their sexual function and enjoying a fulfilling sex life.

For more information on sexual health, visit organizations such as the American Sexual Health Association or the Sexual Medicine Society of North America.