Amphetamine Addiction and Disturbed Sexuality

Among the known results of addiction to amphetamine there is apparently a considerable variation of sexual effects. This is to some degree in contrast with the relative uniformity of other symptoms. However, on closer investigation it may be seen that this variability is more apparent than real, the differences being related to the particular type of sexual organization of the individual addict. A failure to recognize this explains the inconsistent opinions expressed in the literature. One commonly held view is that amphetamine decreases sexual drive. Guttman¹found no evidence of sexual excitation from amphetamine, while Knapp²recorded that 2 of his cases spoke of a decrease in sexual feeling. In contrast Waud³observed increased libido during and for a short period after amphetamine inhalation. Similarly Bett,⁴Carr,⁵and Monroe and Drell⁶observed that amphetamine induced erotic sensations and caused