Sex Addiction and Adderall

Sex addiction and Adderall misuse can both lead to increased sexual risk-taking behaviors, especially when they occur at the same time.

Sex addiction affects millions of adult men and women in the United States. Currently, it is not officially recognized as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. However, many individual psychiatrists and therapists treat it as a disorder because it still causes many problems for those who are addicted and their families.

Like other addictions, sex addiction can cause people to engage in risky and thrill-seeking behaviors. In this case, people with sex addictions frequently engage in unsafe sexual practices. They are also more likely to misuse drugs like Adderall. Adderall misuse combined with sex addiction can have some serious consequences, and both should be treated accordingly.

The Relationship Between Adderall and Sex Addiction

Adderall is a stimulant, meaning that it increases a person’s cognitive function. Normally, it is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because it can help people focus better. While on Adderall, people may also feel more intense emotions and sensations, such as euphoria and alertness. People sometimes take Adderall without a prescription as a performance-enhancing drug in order to improve their focus and energy.

Adderall can also affect a person’s sex drive. Often, people taking Adderall report a lower libido or erectile dysfunction as side effects. Some people, however, experience increased sexual desire while on Adderall. If a person already has a sex addiction, this can be a dangerous combination.

Dangers of Using Adderall and Having Sex

Adderall contains low amounts of four different amphetamines. Taking Adderall as prescribed by a doctor is safe, but using it without professional guidance can be dangerous, especially if someone is on other medications.

Among other effects, amphetamines increase risk-taking behaviors among people who use them in larger quantities. This includes sexual risks, such as hiring a prostitute, having multiple sexual partners or having unprotected sexual intercourse. People with sex addiction are already much more likely to be engaging in such risky sexual behaviors.

STDs and STIs

Unprotected sexual contact, including intercourse and other sexual behaviors, significantly raises the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having multiple partners or paying for sex also raises the risk of contracting serious diseases. These include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

Sex Addiction and Adderall Treatment

Drug use can contribute to mental disorders, and mental illnesses can give rise to substance use disorders. Since sex addiction and Adderall use feed into each other, both must be treated at the same time to be successful. Treating one but not the other can lead to a higher risk of relapse.

Since there are currently no medications that can help with sex addiction, psychotherapy such as talk therapy or counseling is the main course of treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients ways to manage their thoughts and behaviors in a healthy manner, and it can be very helpful. At the same time, patients can undergo standard therapy for amphetamine addiction.

Sex addiction often leads to the misuse of drugs such as Adderall. If you or somebody you love is struggling with addictions such as these, The Recovery Village can help. Contact us today to learn what resources are available to you.

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Anna Pickering, PhD

Dr. Anna Pickering has a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology. Anna works as a medical writer. She grew up in Oregon, where she developed a love for science, nature, and writing. Read more