The Sexual Experiences and Sexual Problems Encountered by Men with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Alcohol use disorder affects various body systems and gives rise to sexual problems. Our aim in this qualitative study was to increase the visibility of the sexual problems and related life experiences of men receiving treatment at an Alcohol and Substance Dependency Treatment and Education Center (Turkish acronym, AMATEM) for alcohol use disorder. Methods: The study was conducted over the period February-April 2022 on the basis of a descriptive and phenomenological design; data were collected in semi-structured individual interviews held with the participants. Results: In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen male patients of a mean age of 36.58 ± 6.25 who were being treated for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. We determined four ongoing themes in the study: perceptions of sexuality, difficulties in sexual relations, barriers to receiving medical support for sexual problems, and help-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the participants believed that sexuality was a need and that when they indulged in alcohol, they experienced a loss of libido, had problems in becoming aroused, had long-lasting problems with ejaculation, impotence, and difficulty with orgasm.