Maytinee Kramer/ Opinion Director
For many people, taking illegal drugs is a method of escaping reality; of seeing, feeling, and thinking differently. It gives them the chance to explore the world they know from an altered perspective. The prospect of such an experience is especially enticing to young people, which is why substance use is often closely associated with clubs, concerts, parties, and other venues frequented by adolescents and young adults.
While these sensations can be enjoyable in the moment, sex under the influence of drugs can present inconvenient or dangerous consequences after its pleasant effects have worn off.
One drug that is particularly popular when it comes to enhancing bodily sensations is ecstasy. Many users report experiencing spikes in energy levels, increased mood and happiness, and the desire to be social and interact closely with the people around them. Given its ability to enhance the senses, ecstasy can alter and heighten the sexual experience.
No matter what kind of psychological freedom or intense orgasm you may feel, ecstasy is still an illegal substance that can be dangerous and even fatal.
Heavy and extended use of ecstasy has been shown to cause depression, confusion, and memory impairment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Short-term usage — and in some cases, life threatening — side effects include prolonged dehydration, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and rapid breathing.
An intensified experience in the high may sound sensual and fun in the moment, but ecstasy can increase one’s chances of engaging in high-risk sexual activity, thus increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancies and/or contracting STIs.
Aside from the sex, drug use in a relationship can have a negative impact on your personal relationship since it can greatly change your mood and your behavior towards others.
A study published in Science Direct found a connection between dating violence in young people and prescription drug abuse. When a dating partner is under the influence of drugs, the risk of unhealthy and abusive behaviors — verbal, emotional, digital, physical or sexual abuse — are heightened.
Because relationships often can’t compete with the euphoric experience of substance use, the user will typically put less time and energy into maintaining the relationship. As a result, various damaging elements to begin to surface, causing the relationship to crack and crumble in the long run.
Even without the presence of drug use, love and relationships are complex issues that take work to maintain. But you don’t need a drug to enhance your love life or create a fantasy that you have to constantly seek out. What you have to do is work on your relationship. Nothing comes about without a little sweat and tears.
If you’re willing to work on your relationship, then everything will be heightened in its own accord. It will all be fun and rewarding on its own, and you won’t have to take a “trip” everytime you want to feel good or love your partner deeper than you already do.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash.
About Post Author
