Drug Dependence and Sexual Dysfunction: A Comparison of Intravenous Users of Narcotics and Oral Users of Amphetamines
M. R. GOSSOP Ph.D.1,
R. STERN M.D., M.R.C.Psych.2, and
P. H. CONNELL M.D., M.R.C.P., F.R.C.Psych.3
1 Research Psychologist, Drug Dependence Clinical Research and Treatment Unit, The Bethlem Royal Hospital and The Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ
2 Registrar, Drug Dependence Clinical Research and Treatment Unit, The Bethlem Royal Hospital and The Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ
3 Director, Drug Dependence Clinical Research and Treatment Unit, The Bethlem Royal Hospital and The Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ
Psychosexual histories were obtained from two groups of drug-dependent subjects, one of intravenous narcotics users and one of oral amphetamine users. The data were analysed for the incidence of perversions and for evidence of diminished activity in several areas of sexually related functioning. Intravenous users of narcotics were found to have more disruption of sexual functioning than oral users of amphetamines, and female drug users were found to be more disturbed in this respect than males. No differences between groups could be shown for the incidence of perversions, nor was any correlation found between length of drug abuse and severity of sexual disturbance. Some implications of these findings for diagnosis, education, public health and treatment are noted.
Submitted on May 24, 1973
