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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2019, 21, N4 (pages: 15 - 22)

The Effect of Heroin, Cannabis and Cocaine Addiction on Sexual Functions and Depression of Women: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Dişsiz M.

Summary: Background: The acute effects brought about by heroin, cannabis and cocaine increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurotransmitters that are associated with sexual activity. Continuous use of these substances causes mental disorders, while lowering the individual's interest in sexuality. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of heroin, cannabis and cocaine addiction on the sexual functions of women. Methods: This study is the outcome of comparative-descriptive and cross-sectional research. Women with a diagnosis of substance use disorder according to DSM-5 (n=97) were included in the patient group. Age-matched healthy women volunteers (n=105) were selected for the control group. A questionnaire form was carefully compiled by researchers. The data were collected using the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and the Beck Depression Index (BDI). Results: Heroin-, cannabis-, and cocaine-addicted women obtained significantly higher scores, which were calculated from the FSFI scale total score and all subscales, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain (p<.05). Additionally, the orgasm, satisfaction, and total FSFI scores of the women in the cocaine group turned out to be significantly higher than those of the women in the cannabis and heroin groups (p<.05). According to the FSFI scale (<26.55), the sexual dysfunction was most common in the cannabis-addicted group (94.7%), which was followed by the heroin-addicted group (91.2%) and cocaine-addicted group (76.2%), respectively. Conclusion: In heroin-, cannabis-, and cocaine-addicted women, sexual functions are adversely affected and depressive symptoms appear to increase.