Crystal and Sex
When it comes to sex, crystal is a drug of contradictions. Some men use crystal to boost their sex drive, prolong sex play and delay orgasm. For men who do maintain an erection for a long period of time, the delay of orgasm can last too long and become painful. Many men also experience the inability to maintain an erection.

The sexual effects of crystal are probably related to the way hormones and neurotransmitters interact with each other. Generally speaking, sexually charged images, thoughts, and places cause the body to produce sex hormones – chemicals that increase arousal and excitement. Crystal causes the release of neurotransmitters – nervous system chemicals that boost energy and concentration. If a person uses crystal in a sexually charged environment, neurotransmitters combine with sex hormones to boost sexual arousal and performance. Sex and meth quickly become fused and one triggers the other.

Crystal increases high risk sexual behavior. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention report that men who use crystal meth are more than twice as likely to be infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as non-users. Additionally, research has indicated that for people infected with HIV, even occasional use of crystal meth can lead to lapses in taking HIV medications, weight loss, and vitamin depletion. Through prolonged sexual activity, tissues of the penis, anus and throat can get damaged. If damaged tissue is exposed to blood or semen, it is much easier for HIV and other harmful organisms to enter the body. Sharing needles to inject crystal also exposes the use to HIV and Hep C co-infection.

Meth doesn't always enhance sex. Over the course of even a single use of meth there are body chemistry changes and the results are not always ideal. Meth and other amphetamines, for example, constrict blood flow to the penis and causing erectile problems. This inability to maintain an erection is known among some men as 'crystal dick.'

In spite of initially having 'hot sex' while on crystal, many men end up sexually dysfunctional as well as feeling socially isolated, disconnected, distrustful and empty. Even after a few months of use many men describe themselves as 'sexual cripples,' unable to function without the drug. If this sexual dysfunction occurs, recovery of sexual functioning and intimacy is possible. Recovery requires abstinence from the drug and the support of peers and often professionals as well.

Here are some suggestions for reclaiming sex after crystal:
 

• Consider celibacy or sexual abstinence until the drug cravings diminish

• Get rid of porn, online sex site memberships, and other triggers

• Avoid high risk sexual places like the baths or bookstores

• Ask yourself what really good sex means to you (it's not always what happened on crystal)

• Avoid spontaneous sex; have planned sex

• Masturbate when you are ready, but avoid fantasies that trigger drug cravings

• Shake up your sexual routines (place, time of day, new fantasies…anything to create new sexual neural associations in your brain that don't involve crystal)

• Ask "What makes me hot when I'm feeling good about myself?"

• Use all of your senses for erotic arousal – be creative!

• Increase your comfort with touch and intimacy as you can without triggering cravings. Crystal gives many men permission to explore sensuality – reclaiming your sexuality means you don't need the drug to have a great and fulfilling sexual experience.

• Consider getting a safety sex buddy for support and mutual accountability on your 'sex after crystal' plan. Check in with each other and after high risk situations. Simply commit to your buddy on your boundaries before a high risk situation and then commit to be totally truthful after the situation. Get a buddy for yourself and be a buddy for someone you care about.

• Be patient!