Date of Award

4-1982

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Brad Huitema

Second Advisor

Dr. Wayne Fuqua

Third Advisor

Dr. Frederick Gault

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The association of heroin use with the sexual behavior of addicts was investigated in the present study. Thirty male heroin addicts at an outpatient drug abuse clinic completed a confidential questionnaire concerning their sexual behavior. Their responses during drug-free and addiction periods were compared to 30 drug-free cohorts and 30 drug-free clients who were admitted to the program for a drug abuse problem other than narcotics or cannabis. A comparison of sexual behavior during addicts' drug-free periods with their cohorts and other drug abusers revealed no significant differences in responses. However, during their addiction periods, ejaculation and erection difficulties increased, ratings on the reported quality of their orgasms were low, sexual desire decreased, and premature ejaculation problems decreased. This study suggests a significant relationship between heroin addiction and a change in sexual behavior.

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Psychology Commons

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