The effects of substance use on sexual life, sexual sensation seeking, and risky sexual behaviors in heterosexual individuals
JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/14659891.2026.2685554
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Index Islamicus, Psycinfo, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Istanbul University Affiliated: No
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of substance use on sexual life, sexual sensation seeking, and risky sexual behavior in heterosexual individuals.MethodThe study, which was conducted using a descriptive, comparative, and correlational design, involved 88 women and 65 men who used addictive substances and 64 women and 65 men who did not use addictive substances. The instruments used for data collection were the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSSS), the Sexual Risk Taking Scale (SRTS), and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASES).Results54.6% of participants used addictive substances. Rates of use of tranquillisers/hypnotics, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids were higher in men than in women. Men had higher SSSS scores than women, but lower ASES scores. SRTS values were significantly higher among substance users. ASES levels were lower among users of sedatives/hypnotics, heroin, and volatile substances. The analyses revealed a weak positive correlation between substance use and SRTS, a weak negative correlation between ASES and SRTS, and a weak positive correlation between SRTS and SSSS.ConclusionSubstance use increases risky sexual behavior and increases sensation seeking, but sexual dysfunction is more pronounced in men, especially with certain types of substances.