Young Men and Viagra Abuse: Dangerous Dependencies and Sexual Problems

Excessive blood pressure and vision changes are just a start for 20-something and 30-something men reporting they’ve become addicted to or dependent on Viagra for their sexual experiences. Feelings of shame, depression and being trapped by the drug are also becoming more widespread among younger men who’ve experimented with the popular erectile dysfunction drug illegally from false prescriptions or street sources.

Recent articles report that mental health professionals are seeing rising numbers of younger men who are in ideal health but are unable to stop taking Viagra before a sexual encounter. Many say they became hooked on the drug’s ability to heighten their stamina and allow them to become aroused. Despite physical effects of abusing the drug – such as dangerous blood pressure problems and vision changes – they can’t seem to perform sexually without it.

For some, holding the habit in secret from their partner has brought such anxiety that they’ve started trying not to have sex. For others, like one U.K. story reported in the article, the feelings of shame and pressure to perform led to suicide. Young men who take Viagra illegally, or similar drugs for erectile dysfunction, typically get the medications when they travel out of the country or from club drug sources.

Aside from physical consequences, there may also be a higher risk for entering the cycle of sexual addiction when prescription medications like Viagra are misused. Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy could fuel Viagra use. Repeated sexual encounters with help from the medication may lead to a pattern of avoiding intimacy or negative emotions through sex. Excessive pornography use is also linked with a loss of interest and sexual function because the brain’s pleasure centers become altered over time, and "real-life" sex often loses its appeal – thus prompting the search for illegal use of drugs like Viagra.

Through professional counseling and treatment, many men can regain a natural sex life and learn to successfully manage the serious emotional issues that may be at the core of Viagra abuse.