BackgroundIncreased prevalent use of methamphetamine is a global public challenge. Information on drug use can be helpful in preventing high-risk behavior related to drug abuse.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the sexual function changes related to methamphetamine use in the male clients of public and private addiction treatment centers.Patients and MethodsIn this qualitative study, 45 men (35 methamphetamine users, 5 family members of the users, and 5 psychiatrists or physicians who were famous for treating or researching addiction) are involved. An in-depth interview was done with therapists and key individuals.ResultsThe results show that the effects of methamphetamine on sexual function are not identical. The first usage is concomitant with the increased duration of sex, an increase in the quality and quantity of sexual pleasure, a delighted orgasm, and feeling more control of the sex act. These effects gradually decrease. A decreased libido and various sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and losing control during the sex act will appear over time.ConclusionsThere are differences in the libido and sexual functions of methamphetamine users. Personal perceptions of one’s sexual function may be affected by cognitive changes resultant from the drug. Drug-use prevention, addiction treatments, appropriate sexual behavior education, and harm reduction are priorities.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of our general knowledge about psychological roots and defects of developmental processes in the formation of somatic symptoms, the effect of the interaction of developmental components with cognitive-emotional variables is unclear. Previous researches suggest that individuals with insecure attachment may have a higher risk to experience of somatic symptoms. The main aim of this study is “Modeling the Relationship between Attachment Styles and Somatic Symptoms with the Mediating Role of Emotional Processing.” MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a descriptive-correlational study. Two hundred and twenty individuals aged 18–59 years living in Tehran were selected by available sampling from the general population. Collins and Reed's Adult Attachment Scale, Baker's Emotional Processing Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire were used to collecting data. Data analysis was performed by Pearson correlation and independent t -test. The conceptual model presented in this study was tested with a path analysis approach. RESULTS: Given the Chi-squared size (χ 2 = 1.214; P > 0.05), it can be said that the proposed conceptual model fits well with the observed model. Besides, checking the other absolute and relative indices also shows a very good fit of the model. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that when the reciprocal effects of attachment styles were controlled, secure attachment could be considered as a protective factor against deficits in emotional processing and somatization of negative emotions. On the other hand, we found that when the dominant attachment style in individuals was anxiety based, it could be possible that they experience deficiency in the processing of emotion and more severe somatic symptoms.

Background: In the recent decade, Iran encountered the explosion of using methamphetamine and its consequences, including sexual high-risk behaviors. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of methamphetamine use on sexual high-risk behaviors in methamphetamine user males seeking treatment in public and private addiction treatment centers in Tehran, Iran. Patients and Methods: A qualitative content analysis approach was conducted using semi-structured interviews strategy and focus group discussion. The main focus of the questions was "Can you explain sexual experiences related to methamphetamine dependency?" Then the narrative responses and the statements of 35 participants including methamphetamine users, their partners, and physicians, who focused on addiction treatment and research, were analyzed. Results: Three main categories emerged from the analysis of interviews; each of these categories possessed a number of subcategories. These categories included "different attitudes towards sexual behaviors", "compulsive sexual behaviors" and "health-related issues in sexual relationships." Conclusions: The methamphetamine use can predispose Iranian addicts to sexual high-risk behaviors. The methamphetamine users have multiple sexual partners; most of them do not use a condom, have sex with methamphetamine users, and have compulsive sexual behaviors.