title: Drugs and sexual behavior.
abstract: This study investigated the association between drugs and sexual behavior in a sample of polydrug substance abusers recruited from several Italian therapeutic communities; participants were 90 polydrug substance abusers (opiates, cocaine, amphetamine, inhalants, marijuana/sedatives or hallucinogens abusers) who were compared with 90 nonsubstance-abusing individuals. Sexual behavior was measured by the Italian version of the Sex and the Average Woman (or Man; SAWM), a questionnaire that assesses different kind of sexual attitudes. Results showed that drug-abusing individuals are particularly inclined to search for sexual intercourse and are open to different kinds of sexual experiences; however, they have difficulties in establishing committed and deep relationships with their partners, showing signs of inhibition, affective detachment or anger. Their sexual lives are also surrounded by negative emotions, disturbing thoughts and maladjusted behaviors. The importance of integrating sexual problems into therapeutic strategies is discussed.
authors: Department of Neurosciences, Psychiatric and Anesthesiologic Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Bruno
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Scimeca
authors: Antonio G
authors: AG
authors: Marino
authors: Carmela
authors: C
authors: Mento
authors: Umberto
authors: U
authors: Micò
authors: Vincenzo M
authors: VM
authors: Romeo
authors: Gianluca
authors: G
authors: Pandolfo
authors: Rocco
authors: R
authors: Zoccali
authors: Maria R A
authors: MR
authors: Muscatello
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D001290:Attitude; D003710:Demography; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004882:Erotica; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires