Interactions Between Substance Use and Sexual Behaviours for Women Receiving Alcohol and Other Drugs Services

Literature indicates that addressing interactions between substance use and compulsive behaviours can improve outcomes for chemical addiction counselling, mental health and physical health. This paper presents the results of a survey that explored (a) how frequently interactions between problematic sexual behaviour and substance use are presented by women receiving Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Services, (b) how sexual behaviour is assessed in AOD Services, and (c) what treatment options are available. All respondents indicated having observed at least one interaction between substance use and problematic sexual behaviours, though responses were variable. However, there was not a consistent approach to assessment or treatment for interactions of substance use and sexual behaviour. To enhance the therapeutic value of AOD Services, counsellors may benefit from continuing education about the interactions of addictions, and development of a standardised method to address problematic sexual behaviour.

While working in a New Zealand AOD Service in 2006, the author worked with female clients who discussed individual interactions between sexual behaviour and their substance use. For example, one client relied on a combination of alcohol, sex and a hot tub to manage her arthritic symptoms. Another female client reported that she had sex with men who would provide her with alcohol, a behaviour that potentially put her physical health at risk. Having encountered these scenarios, and feeling relatively unprepared and underqualified to address the issues linked to sexual behaviour, the author began to seek therapeutic resources, with little success.

A review of the current literature addressing sexual addiction revealed an emerging area of research, particularly in regards to interactions with substance dependence. This information will be presented, followed by a summary of a survey that was sent to AOD counsellors in New Zealand exploring their professional interactions with female clients who presented with problematic sexual behaviours interacting with problematic substance use. Future implications will be discussed.