In college, there are many different kinds of experimentation, but students tend to focus on two: sex and substances. Often, these overlap. So what does sex on five of the most commonly used substances—alcohol, molly/MDMA/ecstasy, Xanax, cocaine and psychedelics—look like?
In all cases, the most important aspect of any sexual interaction is constant consent and respect of boundaries.
Alcohol
The most commonly used substance is alcohol, and sex on it tends to look very different, especially when some Rolling Rock or Mike’s Hards get involved. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases extroversion—so the typical introvert might find themselves chatting up a storm or dancing with a group.
The infamous “beer goggles” will play a part as well. Prospective partners will begin to look more attractive with the increasing alcohol in your system.
“Whiskey dick,” the clever name for alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction, is also a staple of the post-party hookup.
Due to lower inhibitions, you may be more willing to experiment or try new positions in bed.
The lowered inhibitions may also spark something amazing; for instance, finally being able to tell someone just how attractive you find them. Many a late-night drunken hookup with a friend has turned into something more, or sparked a more open conversation about feelings.
Ecstasy
Molly and MDMA are the ultimate “happy drug”—hence the typical title of ecstasy. Bright, shining and feel-good, there’s no doubt that your serotonin and dopamine centers are firing on all cylinders when you’re on it. Feeling connected to the universe and plugged into the auras of everyone around you is a powerful experience, and having sex on it is no different.
With the enhanced sense of touch, just being hugged feels amazing.
There’s rumors that having sex on ecstasy ruins sex while sober, but is this rooted in any actual fact?
Nope. In reality, the experience of being connected to a partner is more important to the MDMA-affected brains. There’s even evidence that it can hinder sexual performance, but so much oxytocin is flooding your brain, you’re only feeling the love.
Psychedelics
Much like MDMA, psychedelics such as LSD or magic mushrooms can invoke that lovey-dovey, universal connection. With the increase in touch sensitivity, sex on psychedelics can become a lovely experience.
Using sex as way to connect with a partner rather than just hooking up, it can be philosophical, cosmic and existential.
According to Neal Goldsmith, a New York-based psychologist and author of Psychedelic Healing, “Psychedelics enhance what’s already there, they put you in touch with reality with greater clarity and intensity than you generally experience.”
The downside of the euphoric feeling of the drug is the possible overload of serotonin in the brain. With such a heightened sex drive, there might be an inability to orgasm.
Hallucinations could also add an erotic twist, especially if you’re in the mood. Coupled with lower inhibitions, psychedelics can make it easier to follow through, or even just voice your fantasies. Eye opening and meaningful sex could be in store when shrooming!
Cocaine
If MDMA, ecstasy, and psychedelics give you a slow, beautiful connection to the universe through sex, then cocaine might be the red-hot passionate counterpart. Studies have shown that cocaine increases sexual desire.
It can even make the sex feel more fulfilling due to the heightened euphoria and dopamine flood.
Yet, like MDMA, there’s a chance that drug-induced erectile dysfunction might pop up, and cocaine can make orgasm difficult as well.
Users have reported that sex on cocaine is much more narcissistic: an all-consuming focus on what is happening to you, rather than the universe immersion of MDMA or psychedelics. Cocaine can heighten sexual aggression and confidence as well, so sex can last longer and be much more exciting!
Xanax
Different from stimulants such as cocaine and MDMA, Xanax causes a rapid euphoric effect, but it’ll chill you out more than it will amp you up. In an interview with Vice, Val Curran, professor of psychopharmacology at University College London, describes Xanax as “sort of like the brakes on the brain. It calms everything down,” which can make for some interesting sex.
Weirdly enough, Xans may actually reduce sex drive and stop the production of dopamine. You might have less impulse control, but you won’t be raring to go.
Long-term Xanax use is linked to a lot of issues with sex—such as erectile dysfunction, or just a disinterest in sex all together.
Overall, sex on substances varies with each encounter, and not every generalization will apply each time. Understanding how drugs function during sex can help you decide when—and on what—you want to hook up with someone.