Does sex act like a drug?

[Paul Diaz-Berrio]

I ask because, according to what I read, men and women produce oxytocin, (which is a biological version of cocaine), and endorphin (which is a biological version of morphine, when they climax and during sex.

Are romantic and married couples a breed of junkie? :emoji_hushed:

 

[The Sheik]

I can assure you, sex is nothing like snorting cocaine.

 

[Paul Diaz-Berrio]

I can assure you, sex is nothing like snorting cocaine.

Oh, as I understand it, the chemicals produced contain the same anaesthetic and euphoric elements as said drugs. Why would you say the effects of snorting cocaine are different?

 

[MildlyUpsetGerbil]

\

I ask because, according to what I read, men and women produce oxytocin, (which is a biological version of cocaine), and endorphin (which is a biological version of morphine, when they climax and during sex.

Are romantic and married couples a breed of junkie? :emoji_hushed:

These things are produced within the body in amounts that do not significantly harm a person. Oxytocin is produced during many other activities, such as cuddling, shooting guns, listening to music, laughing, etc. Unless you're willing to consider every chemical the human body produces as a drug, this doesn't make sense.

Oh, as I understand it, the chemicals produced contain the same anaesthetic and euphoric elements as said drugs. Why would you say the effects of snorting cocaine are different?

Because cocaine causes an immense amount of damage to the human body whereas sex typically does not. Here's some of the effects cocaine has on human beings:

Short-term effects

• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
• Contracted blood vessels
• Increased rate of breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Nausea
• Hyperstimulation
• Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
• Hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability
• Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin
• Intense euphoria
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Depression
• Intense drug craving
• Panic and psychosis
• Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)

Long-term effects

• Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
• High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death
• Liver, kidney and lung damage
• Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
• Respiratory failure if smoked
• Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
• Malnutrition, weight loss
• Severe tooth decay
• Auditory and tactile hallucinations
• Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women)
• Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
• Irritability and mood disturbances
• Increased frequency of risky behavior
• Delirium or psychosis
• Severe depression
• Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)

 

[Solid Snake]

Well oxytocin is a hormone that naturally occurs and gets released in the body. The hormone is not addictive. It actually benefits us and it is part of the reason we form bonds and relationships with other people. Those who have less releases or less oxytocin in their body tend to be very closed off, anti-social, and at risk for depression and anxiety.

There are actually studies that show that oxytocin can protect us from addictions. I think people just like comparing anything that feels good to drugs. Sure, people can become sex addicts but given the amount of people having sex in the world and how small the percentage of addiction to sex is, I am guessing this is down to a lack of oxytocin, not because of it. Men don't produce it when masturbating which is likely why porn addictions tend to be a bigger issue than sex addictions.

Funny thing too is the biggest release happens for women during childbirth. It is the reason women can go through the pain and stress and feel calm, relaxed, and filled with love after the baby is released. It helps them bond to their newly born child.

 

[Pop Tatari]

I can assure you, sex is nothing like snorting cocaine.

It is if your snorting it off a girls fanny.

 

[Black Wizard]

Having both had sex and done drugs in my life, they aren't the same.

You're welcome.

 

[Paul Diaz-Berrio]

\
These things are produced within the body in amounts that do not significantly harm a person. Oxytocin is produced during many other activities, such as cuddling, shooting guns, listening to music, laughing, etc. Unless you're willing to consider every chemical the human body produces as a drug, this doesn't make sense.


Because cocaine causes an immense amount of damage to the human body whereas sex typically does not. Here's some of the effects cocaine has on human beings:

Short-term effects

• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
• Contracted blood vessels
• Increased rate of breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Nausea
• Hyperstimulation
• Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
• Hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability
• Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin
• Intense euphoria
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Depression
• Intense drug craving
• Panic and psychosis
• Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)

Long-term effects

• Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
• High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death
• Liver, kidney and lung damage
• Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
• Respiratory failure if smoked
• Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
• Malnutrition, weight loss
• Severe tooth decay
• Auditory and tactile hallucinations
• Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women)
• Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
• Irritability and mood disturbances
• Increased frequency of risky behavior
• Delirium or psychosis
• Severe depression
• Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)

Thank you, Mildly Upset Gerbil. I wasn't previously aware of these facts. I tend to take things at face value and after reading this, I can see that I really shouldn't, as I easily could misunderstand them, or only partially see them for what they really are. I'll keep these bullet points in mind.

Well oxytocin is a hormone that naturally occurs and gets released in the body. The hormone is not addictive. It actually benefits us and it is part of the reason we form bonds and relationships with other people. Those who have less releases or less oxytocin in their body tend to be very closed off, anti-social, and at risk for depression and anxiety.

There are actually studies that show that oxytocin can protect us from addictions. I think people just like comparing anything that feels good to drugs. Sure, people can become sex addicts but given the amount of people having sex in the world and how small the percentage of addiction to sex is, I am guessing this is down to a lack of oxytocin, not because of it. Men don't produce it when masturbating which is likely why porn addictions tend to be a bigger issue than sex addictions.

Funny thing too is the biggest release happens for women during childbirth. It is the reason women can go through the pain and stress and feel calm, relaxed, and filled with love after the baby is released. It helps them bond to their newly born child.

I find this very helpful, Solid Snake. I sometimes tend to jump the gun, but now, you've made me realise that sometimes I tend to get a little ahead of myself. I'll commit this response to memory. It's amazing how wide a role oxytocin plays in our body's chemistry. I had no idea oxytocin protected us from addictions. That's very good to know.