Study protocol: Hypersexual and hyposexual behavior among adults diagnosed with alcohol- and substance use disorders—Associations between traumatic experiences and problematic sexual behavior

Abstract

BackgroundHypersexual and hyposexual behaviors are common concomitant of substance use disorders (SUD). On the one hand, the regular consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs can lead to hypersexual or hyposexual behavior due to its effects on the organism; on the other hand, the use of psychotropic substances is also used as a coping strategy concerning already existing sexual impairments. The aforementioned disorders show similarities in terms of their etiology, as traumatic experiences get special attention as potential risk factors for the development of addictions, hypersexual, and hyposexual behavior.ObjectivesThe study aims to explore the association between SUD characteristics and hypersexual/hyposexual behavior, and a potential moderating effect of early traumatic life events by answering the following research questions: (1) Do people with SUD differ from a sample of people with other psychiatric disorders regarding hypersexual and hyposexual behavior? (2) What are the associations between the presence of sexual problems and different characteristics of the SUD (e.g., mono vs. polysubstance use, type of addictive substance, intensity of the disorder)? (3) What influence do traumatic experiences in childhood and adolescence have on the existence of sexual disorders among adults with a diagnosed SUD?MethodThe target group of this cross-sectional ex-post-facto study comprises adults diagnosed with an alcohol- and/or substance use disorder. Data will be collected with an online survey, which will be promoted via several support and networking services for people diagnosed with SUD. Two control groups will be surveyed, one consisting of people with other psychiatric disorders than SUD and traumatic experiences, and one healthy group. Relations between the dependent variables (hypersexual and hyposexual behavior) and independent variables (sociodemographic information, medical and psychiatric status, intensity of the prevalent SUD, traumatic experiences, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder) will be initially calculated via correlations and linear regression. Risk factors will be identified via multivariate regression.DiscussionGaining relevant knowledge promises new perspectives for prevention, diagnosis, case conception, and therapy of SUDs as well as problematic sexual behaviors. The results can provide more information about the importance of psychosexual impairments regarding the development and maintenance of SUDs.

A Multi-Level Analysis of Biological, Social, and Psychological Determinants of Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Health Outcomes

“…7.1.6. Use Aimed at Increasing Sexual Performance While long-term use of alcohol, opioids, or sedatives is often associated with impaired sexual function, the use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, or hallucinogens may increase sexual arousal in the short term [58]. This may lead to performance-enhancing use.…”

“…Several studies have investigated the association between prevalent SUD and hypersexuality. The targeted use of drugs to evoke specific physical and/or psychological effects during sexual activity (e.g., to increase sexual performance or achieve sexual disinhibition) is termed chemsex [58].…”

Sexual Victimization and Hypersexuality in College Women: Examining Alcohol Use as a Potential Mediator

“…Substance abuse disorders and stress-related disorders often occur simultaneously (Ballester-Arnal et al 2020), due to the desire to cope with the stress that has resulted from their victimization, and hypersexuality could serve as an additional outlet for coping. The correlation between all three of these factors, however, has yet to be studied, but researchers have pointed to a need to examine the interrelated nature of these variables in order to provide a more thorough understanding of this phenomenon (Jepsen et al 2023).…”

“…In particular, the other factors that may contribute to the connection between sexual victimization and hypersexuality have yet to be investigated. Jepsen et al (2023) highlight that this connection may exist, and, more specifically, focus on the idea that alcohol use and hypersexuality are both attempts to cope with the stress that results from one's victimization experience. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to examine this relationship more closely, and, to examine whether alcohol use has a mediating effect on the association between sexual victimization and hypersexuality.…”

“…Sci. 2023, 12, 654 2 of 13 a lack of interest in sex to experiencing pain during sexual activity (Jepsen et al 2023). While conjecture regarding why sexual victimization may result in either sexual dysfunction or hypersexuality has centered around the timing of sexual victimization (see Aaron 2012), the answer could lie in another negative consequence of sexual victimization: problematic alcohol use.…”