A Study on the Severity of Alcohol Dependence and Its Effect on Sexual Functioning in Men with Alcohol Dependence
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Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Background:
Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition with widespread physiological, psychological, and interpersonal consequences. One of its lesser-addressed yet significant complications is sexual dysfunction, which may perpetuate a cycle of distress and continued alcohol use. Despite increasing evidence linking alcohol use with impaired sexual functioning, few studies have assessed the correlation between the severity of alcohol dependence and specific domains of sexual dysfunction, especially within the Indian population.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate (1) the severity of alcohol dependence in men, (2) the pattern of sexual functioning at baseline, (3) changes in sexual functioning after two months of abstinence, and (4) the association between alcohol dependence severity and sexual dysfunction.
Methods:
A total of 60 male patients aged 18–55 years with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ICD-10 criteria) were recruited from a de-addiction ward at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Mangalore. Psychiatric comorbidities were screened using MINI 6.0. Severity of dependence was assessed using the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ). Sexual functioning was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), administered at admission and after two months of abstinence. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Pearson correlations.
Results:
Severe alcohol dependence was found in 93.3% of participants. At baseline, 70% had severe erectile dysfunction (ED). After two months of abstinence, significant improvements were seen in erectile, orgasmic, intercourse, and overall satisfaction domains (p < 0.001), though sexual desire remained largely unchanged (p = 0.074). Higher SADQ scores were negatively correlated with erectile function both before (r = –0.415) and after abstinence (r = –0.583), with statistical significance (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Sexual dysfunction is closely linked to alcohol dependence severity, but abstinence significantly improves multiple aspects of sexual functioning. Routine assessment, counseling, and therapy addressing sexual health can enhance recovery outcomes.
Background:
Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition with widespread physiological, psychological, and interpersonal consequences. One of its lesser-addressed yet significant complications is sexual dysfunction, which may perpetuate a cycle of distress and continued alcohol use. Despite increasing evidence linking alcohol use with impaired sexual functioning, few studies have assessed the correlation between the severity of alcohol dependence and specific domains of sexual dysfunction, especially within the Indian population.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate (1) the severity of alcohol dependence in men, (2) the pattern of sexual functioning at baseline, (3) changes in sexual functioning after two months of abstinence, and (4) the association between alcohol dependence severity and sexual dysfunction.
Methods:
A total of 60 male patients aged 18–55 years with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ICD-10 criteria) were recruited from a de-addiction ward at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Mangalore. Psychiatric comorbidities were screened using MINI 6.0. Severity of dependence was assessed using the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ). Sexual functioning was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), administered at admission and after two months of abstinence. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Pearson correlations.
Results:
Severe alcohol dependence was found in 93.3% of participants. At baseline, 70% had severe erectile dysfunction (ED). After two months of abstinence, significant improvements were seen in erectile, orgasmic, intercourse, and overall satisfaction domains (p < 0.001), though sexual desire remained largely unchanged (p = 0.074). Higher SADQ scores were negatively correlated with erectile function both before (r = –0.415) and after abstinence (r = –0.583), with statistical significance (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Sexual dysfunction is closely linked to alcohol dependence severity, but abstinence significantly improves multiple aspects of sexual functioning. Routine assessment, counseling, and therapy addressing sexual health can enhance recovery outcomes.
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