Sex and psychedelics: a wide-lens look at a burgeoning field

Summary

The article discusses the connection between psychedelics and sexual well-being, highlighting three studies that show a positive relationship. It emphasizes the need for culturally and historically aware research on sexuality, particularly in light of contemporary sexual politics and ethical considerations in therapeutic contexts. The authors also note the lack of focus on gender dynamics in this area, which could influence perceptions of psychedelics' therapeutic effects versus enhancements, especially following the #MeToo movement.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this article we initiate a conversation between scientific and humanities-oriented studies of sexuality and psychedelics. Drawing on three recent studies which indicate a positive connection between the use of psychedelics and sexual well-being, the article argues that taking account of sexuality as culturally produced, historically contingent and geographically specific would improve the reliability and efficacy of future studies. The need for socially and culturally attuned research grounded in contemporary sexual politics in this area is urgent, as in recent years-despite little reporting of sexuality in clinical research-the psychedelics field has had to grapple with the ethics of the relationship between psychedelic states and sexual interactions in therapeutic spaces and the 'underground'. There is also scant attention to date paid to the gendered dynamics of sex and sexuality, and how this may impact perceptions of the relationship between psychedelic therapeutic repair versus enhancement. We unpack some of these dilemmas and outline some key concerns and potential priorities for future research into sexuality and psychedelics in a post-#MeToo era.

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