SEXUALITY REDUCTION SYNDROME IN OPIATE ADDICTS

Abstract

It is expedient to distinguish three phenomenological pictures of sexuality manifestations at opiate addicted patients. The first one is changing of sexual reactions when patients enter sexual intercourse, being under action of a drug. The second one is formation specific, peculiar to the illness, features of erotical and sexual behavior at the long use of opiates. The third one - the certain sexological characteristics of social group of drug addicted persons.

With the purpose to facilitate recognition of a clinical picture for the further application of this data in patient▓ rehabilitation the phenomenology of sexuality infringements has been submitted as the sexuality reduction syndrome. Triad of symptoms constantly are in the structure of this syndrome: sex drive reduction and falling of a sexual activity rhythm (1); submission of libido to pathological drug desire √ an injection of a drug at first, then coitus (2); inadequate self-estimation of negative changes in an intimate life, - their ignoring, that is infringement of reality perception (3).

Patients (N=134) used heroin intravenously during 1 - 7 years were under supervision at clinic. The syndrome was found out at all cases without exception.

Therefore, diagnostics of the syndrome is important, because it allows applying psychotherapy and purposeful sexological consultation during rehabilitation.

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National Research Center on Addictions
Rehabilitation Dept.,
Moscow, Russia