The Science of Sex and Psychedelics: From 1960s Counterculture to Modern Research
The renewed interest in psychedelic research represents a significant departure from their controversial past, intertwining with social movements that have shaped cultural and scientific attitudes towards these substances.
In the 1960s, the psychedelic experience was a key feature of counterculture, representing a major shift from traditional norms and values. It embodied ideals of peace, love, and expanded consciousness.
Today, psychedelics are at the forefront of scientific exploration, increasingly recognised for their potential to transform mental health treatments and the way we connect with ourselves, each other and the world at large.
But what about the fundamental and under-explored part of our human experience - our sexuality?
Psychedelics and the 1960s Counterculture
The 1960s, marked by the iconic "Make Love Not War" slogan, saw psychedelics as catalysts for personal and societal transformation, advocating for a more open, empathetic, and peaceful world.
The hippie movement, which valued free love and anti-war sentiment, found psychedelics not just recreational substances but tools for spiritual and psychological exploration.
During this time, people collectively yearned for deeper connections—both within themselves and with others—and rebelled against the materialistic and militaristic values dominating the time. Many viewed psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin as gateways to achieving heightened states of consciousness, which offered insights into the interconnectedness of all beings and fostered a sense of universal love and connection.
Image: John Lennon and Yoko Ono in a serene protest in the 60´s, a Bed-In for Peace, emblematic of pacifist movements. Clad in white, they embody a message of harmony, with handwritten "HAIR PEACE" and "BED PEACE" signs framing them against a city backdrop. The scene is a quiet yet powerful symbol of the Summer of Love's ethos, blending personal activism with global consciousness.
The Modern Wave of Psychedelic Research
Historical context is crucial for understanding the current wave of psychedelic research. These substances that once symbolised a counter-cultural revolution are now leading scientific exploration, with growing discussions and focus placed on their potential to improve mental health treatments.
However, the legacy of the hippie movement's embrace of psychedelics and free love continues to influence modern perspectives, highlighting a profound connection between these substances and the human capacity for empathy, connection, and emotional well-being.
Intrigued by these cultural associations, modern scientists have begun exploring the link between psychedelics, love, and sexual well-being with the aim of examining whether psychedelics could enhance sexual flourishing. This is defined as a positive change in beliefs, feelings, and perceptions about sex, one's body, and sexual partners. While the idea might appear unusual at first glance, numerous historical anecdotes support it, making it a compelling area of scientific research.
A Personal Account of Psychedelic Therapy and Sexual Liberation
One such narrative is detailed in the 1962 publication "Me, Myself and I," which chronicles a woman's experience with LSD-assisted therapy aimed at treating neurosis—a term that historically referred to a range of psychological disturbances characterised by anxiety, depression, and obsessive behaviour, without any identifiable organic cause. Within this therapeutic context, she encountered a profound liberation from her background of sexual repression. She articulates her transformative experience, stating:
“After pulling all the scattered parts of me together, I found that I felt released, relieved – wonderful. There had been no resistance I had not been able to overcome. And, for the first time, under LSD, I had found pleasure in sex rather than terror and pain.”
This personal account highlights the profound impact psychedelics can have on the human psyche, especially in areas long affected by societal taboos.
Unveiling Deeper Connections: The Shulgins’ Experience with 2C-B
The pioneering work of the husband-and-wife team, Alexander (Sasha), a renowned chemist and Ann Shulgin, a therapist, gave us a glance at the way psychedelics may shift our intimate relationships.
Their collaborative efforts resulted in the publication of PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story, a groundbreaking book which provides a wealth of insights into the chemistry, effects, and cultural context of various phenethylamines.
What are Phenethylamines?
Phenethylamines are a class of compounds characterised by their phenethylamine core structure, which consists of a phenyl ring attached to an ethylamine chain. These compounds include both naturally occurring and synthetic substances, such as MDMA and 2C-B, which possess psychedelic, stimulant, and empathogenic properties.
One compelling anecdote involves the creation and exploration of the synthetic psychedelic 2C-B, which Sasha Shulgin first synthesised in 1974. In PIHKAL, Ann Shulgin recounts a deeply personal experience with 2C-B, where she felt an enhanced awareness of her emotions and a profound connection to Sasha. She describes how the substance's effects created an environment conducive to emotional intimacy and self-exploration, stating:
"The walls between Sasha and me seemed to melt away, allowing for a level of communication and connection that felt both timeless and immediate. Our conversations flowed freely, touching on topics we had never discussed before, from deep-seated fears to our shared dreams for the future. It was a bonding experience unlike any other, bringing us closer together and enhancing the intimacy between us."
This powerful story demonstrates how psychedelics may facilitate deeper relationships by breaking down barriers between individuals and encouraging open communication. Through their work and personal experiences, the Shulgins underscored the potential for substances like 2C-B to foster connections that transcend traditional relationships, offering a unique blend of scientific exploration and cultural impact.
Their narrative continues to inspire, suggesting that psychedelics might indeed play a role in shaping not only individual consciousness but also interpersonal dynamics.
Image: Alexander (Sasha) and Ann Shulgin
Current Research on Psychedelics and Sexual Functioning
Modern research has now begun to reveal the influence psychedelics may have on sexual functioning. The most recent study published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports by scientists at Imperial College London explored the experiences of 250 individuals who used psychedelics in natural settings.
This research is the first to provide evidence of improvements in sexual communication, heightened pleasure, and increased overall satisfaction with their partners after psychedelic use. What's fascinating and worth noting is that these positive changes were not temporary. The benefits lasted up to 6 months after the initial experience.
Moreover, the participants also reported feeling more positive about their bodies, a willingness to embrace new sexual experiences, and a shift towards viewing sex as a deeper spiritual experience.
Comparing the Effects of Psilocybin and Antidepressants (SSRIs) on Sexual Satisfaction
The above study by the Imperial College team went beyond initial findings, comparing the effects of psilocybin on sexual satisfaction against those treated with Escitalopram ( known as Lexapro), a common antidepressant known for its debilitating side effect of sexual dysfunction.
Previous research has shown that psilocybin was at least as effective as escitalopram at improving symptoms of depression. It was found to be particularly effective at helping people feel better overall, interact socially, and feel their emotions more deeply. However, no one had really looked into how these treatments might affect intimate relationships until now.
The results from the study were remarkable. Unlike escitalopram, which lowered sexual interest and enjoyment for some patients, those treated with psilocybin reported positive effects. They experienced increased sexual interest, activity, arousal, and satisfaction, while those on the SSRI reported declines. Anxiety related to sex decreased for psilocybin but increased for the SSRI. This research suggests that psilocybin may not only treat depression but also improve key aspects of personal well-being.
Key Psychological Shifts Driving Psychedelics' Impact on Sexual Well-being
The science points to a couple of key shifts in how people think and feel:
Enhanced Mindfulness
In everyday terms, mindfulness is like having a spotlight on the present moment — fully feeling and experiencing life without any judgment. Practising mindfulness has been linked to better sexual encounters because sex tends to be more enjoyable when you're really 'in the moment'. Psychedelics seem to significantly enhance this kind of present-moment awareness, with effects that last well beyond the initial experience.
Increased Empathy
This is our ability to tune into our partner's feelings. Research suggests that empathy grows after psychedelic use, which can significantly boost sexual relationships by creating deeper connections. This change isn't about the experience of sex under the influence of these substances but about the lasting transformation that follows.
Increased Spiritual Connection
The study suggests that psychedelics increase the sense of connection to something greater than oneself during sexual experiences, which can profoundly change one’s approach to and enjoyment of sex. This isn't about a religious epiphany or “new age” thinking but rather a newfound sense of closeness and meaning that wasn't there before. Importantly, this enhanced connection persists long after the psychedelic experience itself.
Understanding Psychedelics' Role in Sexual Wellbeing
It's important to consider how psychedelics affect sexual well-being. The research indicates that psychedelics do not significantly change the importance of sex to people. This is crucial because it suggests that psychedelics don't cause hyper-arousal or an excessive focus on sex. Instead, the transformation seems to happen in how people perceive and relate to sexual experiences. Individuals may come out of these experiences with a renewed sense of engagement and appreciation for the sexual aspects of their lives rather than an increased emphasis on sexuality itself.
As Tommaso Barba, lead author of the paper, said in an interview for the magazine Rolling Stones:
“We live in a society where we are greatly disconnected from our emotions and our bodies. A 'fast food' culture of sex prevails, where the sexual act is often experienced in an almost mechanical context rather than a human one. Sex is frequently regarded as a meaningless encounter between bodies rather than a connection between two human beings, each carrying their own stories and vulnerabilities. Psychedelics, by potentially improving how people feel in their own bodies and by fostering a deeper sense of connection and intimacy between partners, might offer a path to sexual satisfaction that is rooted in emotional and psychological well-being”.
What Are the Effects of Psychedelics on Romantic Relationships?
Research on this topic is still extremely limited, as no modern study has yet investigated the long-term effects of taking these substances in romantic relationships. However, a recent study by Maastricht University provides valuable insights. The study interviewed 6 couples who took psychedelics together and uncovered 3 key themes:
Navigating Anxiety Together
Couples willingly put themselves in vulnerable positions, addressing their innermost fears and concerns together. This shared experience of vulnerability created a foundation for deeper understanding and support.
Reshaping Practices
Psychedelics facilitated new communication patterns, allowing couples to gain deeper insights into each other's experiences. This improved communication led to a more profound connection and greater intimacy.
Encountering Bliss
Couples found themselves enjoying present-moment awareness, feeling profoundly connected to one another. This psychedelic-induced state heightened self-exposure, positive involvement, and shared understanding, which are key conditions for intimacy between partners, potentially improving relationship quality.
Exploring The Impact of Psychedelic-Assisted Couples Therapy
Relatedly, Canadian psychotherapist Anne Wagner has recently begun investigating the effects of psychedelics such as MDMA-assisted couples therapy in couples where one partner was affected by PTSD and the other was not. Wagner's research aimed to explore how the combination of Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) and MDMA sessions might impact not only the individual with PTSD, but also the romantic relationship as a whole.
In a pilot trial, this combined approach showed significant improvements. Patients experienced a positive shift in how they perceived and processed their traumatic experiences, leading to emotional resilience and greater coping mechanisms. Couples reported improved levels of support and understanding between each other as they navigated through the therapeutic process. This mutual support strengthened the bond between partners, promoting healthier dynamics.
Furthermore, couples found themselves experiencing greater emotional closeness, which helped to reduce conflict and improve overall relationship quality. This intimacy also contributed to better behavioural accommodation, allowing both partners to adapt and respond more effectively to each other's needs.
The Future of Psychedelic Therapy in Relationship and Sexual Wellbeing
Psychedelics and empathogens might be opening doors to a more fulfilling romantic and sexual life, not by changing the immediate experience but by fostering long-lasting psychological changes that enhance the way people connect with themselves and their partners.
The current findings from research hint at a broader therapeutic potential for psychedelics, stretching beyond the treatment of mental health disorders to include relationship and sexual flourishing.
As research continues to unfold, the potential for psychedelics to contribute to a holistic approach to health and happiness becomes ever more apparent, challenging us to rethink our approaches to therapy and well-being.