Sex + Drugs + Alcohol

There is a misconception that drugs and alcohol can make a person’s sex life better.. In reality, alcohol and drugs can sometimes decrease sexual pleasure and sexual function.



Sex + alcohol + sexual pleasure

Alcohol is a drug that is used in almost all countries of the world. Alcohol and drinking is often seen as a social lubricant, meaning that it lowers your inhibitions and makes it easier for a person to be more social; this idea is huge in Nova Scotia. While alcohol is often seen as a lot of fun, especially in commercials and movies; alcohol impairs a person’s judgement, coordination, and understanding.

Drinking may increase sexual desires, but your body is slower to catch up when you are under the influence of alcohol. Heavy drinking can sometimes lead to blacking out during sex, which means a person may sometimes not remember what happened during a time that was supposed to be fun.

Consenting to sex when you are drunk is complicated. Technically, under the law, a person “Cannot consent after the consumption of alcohol.” However, we all know that it is not that clear-cut. Only you can define what has happened to your own body. If you feel that what has happened was consensual and fun, then it was consensual and fun. You are able to define your own experiences, and if upon reflection you feel that your body and choices were not respected and/or forced and want to talk about it, our friends at Avalon are there to help and listen to you!

Sex + alcohol + sexual function

  • Decreases vaginal lubrication and arousal.
  • Decreases penile erection
  • Higher chance of not using condoms or other forms of protection, which can either lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.
  • Lowers inhibition and decrease in sense of danger.



This includes all drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter medication, and recreational drugs. Drugs can influence how the body sexually functions, desires or even responds to certain influences. They can impact hormones as well. For example, medications that are used to manage cholesterol impact sex hormones such as estrogen or progesterone.

Sex + drugs + sexual pleasure

People have been using drugs with sex for centuries. Sometimes, it can be a great experience and opens the door to new found sensations and pleasure; but other times, it can lead to risky behaviours that can have a negative impact on a person’s life. Libido, also known as sex drive, is having the urge to satisfy sexual needs and desires. Some people may have a high sex drive and others may have lower sex drives. There is nothing wrong with having lower or higher sex drives than your partner, but some individuals may find it frustrating trying to keep up with their partners or wanting more sex from them.

A positive side to drugs is that they help some individuals who may suffer from symptoms that impact their sexual pleasure, such as those impacted by erectile dysfunction. While some may find different ways of pleasure, others may seek a different route with medication, such as Viagra, which helps the penis remain erect during sex. You should consult with HSHC doctors if you think you need a prescription for medication that will improve your sexual pleasure and function.

There are other prescription drugs that impact the libido and sexual desires in a negative way. For example, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), which are common drugs that helps individuals with depression often decreases the sex drive.

Illicit drug use can also impact your sex life; it can cause sexual dysfunction and higher chances for sexually transmitted infections.

Sex + drugs + sexual function

  • While some drugs help with sexual function, others do not.
  • Lower or high libido
  • Irregular menstrual cycle