scholarly journals Sex, Drugs, and Genes: Illuminating the Moral Condemnation of Recreational Drugs

2021 ◽  
pp. 095679762199735
Author(s):  
Annika K. Karinen ◽  
Laura W. Wesseldijk ◽  
Patrick Jern ◽  
Joshua M. Tybur

Over the past decade, evolutionary psychologists have proposed that many moral stances function to promote self-interests. At the same time, behavioral geneticists have demonstrated that many moral stances have genetic bases. We integrated these perspectives by examining how moral condemnation of recreational drug use relates to sexual strategy (i.e., being more vs. less open to sex outside of a committed relationship) in a sample of Finnish twins and siblings ( N = 8,118). Twin modeling suggested that genetic factors accounted for 53%, 46%, and 41% of the variance in drug condemnation, sociosexuality, and sexual-disgust sensitivity, respectively. Further, approximately 75% of the phenotypic covariance between drug condemnation and sexual strategy was accounted for by genes, and there was substantial overlap in the genetic effects underlying both drug condemnation and sexual strategy ( rg = .41). Results are consistent with the proposal that some moral sentiments are calibrated to promote strategic sexual interests, which arise partially via genetic factors.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Karinen ◽  
Laura Wesseldijk ◽  
Patrick Jern ◽  
Joshua M. Tybur

Over the past decade, evolutionary psychologists have proposed that many moral stances function to promote self-interests, and behavioral geneticists have demonstrated that many moral stances have genetic bases. We integrate these perspectives by examining how moral condemnation of recreational drug use relates to sexual strategy (i.e., being more versus less open to sex outside of a committed relationship) in a sample of Finnish twins and siblings (N = 8,118). Twin modeling suggested that genetic factors accounted for 53%, 46%, and 41% of the variance in drug condemnation, sociosexuality, and sexual disgust sensitivity, respectively. Further, approximately 75% of the phenotypic covariance between drug condemnation and sexual strategy was accounted for by genes, and there was substantial overlap in the genetic effects underlying both drug condemnation and sexual strategy (rg = .41). Results suggest that some moral sentiments are calibrated to promote strategic sexual interests, which arise partially via genetic factors.


Author(s):  
Junjie Xu ◽  
Huan Yu ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Sequoia I Leuba ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently seek partners through mobile apps (geosocial networking [GSN] apps). However, it is unclear whether GSN apps’ use is associated with the increase in HIV incidence among MSM. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of GSN apps’ users and to determine the association and putative mechanisms between GSN apps’ use behavior and HIV incidence. METHODS We conducted an 18-month prospective cohort study of MSM in Shenyang, China, and the participants were surveyed every 3 months from March 2015 to December 2016. An in-person interview collected information on sociodemographics, GSN apps’ use, recreational drug use, and sexual behaviors. In addition, blood was drawn to test for HIV and syphilis. We used a multivariable Cox regression model to determine possible predictors for increased HIV incidence. RESULTS Of the enrolled 686 HIV-negative MSM, 431 (431/686, 62.8%) were GSN apps’ users. Compared with GSN apps’ nonusers, GSN apps’ users were younger; had an earlier age of sexual debut; and in the past 3 months, were more likely to have used recreational drugs, more likely to have had 5 or more casual partners (CPs), more likely to have had group sex with males, and more likely to have had condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with male steady partners (SPs). In addition, 59.4% (256/431) of the GSN apps’ users were willing to accept HIV and AIDS prevention information push services through GSN apps. In total, 19 MSM seroconverted to HIV during the follow-up period; the HIV incidence density rate was 8.5 (95% CI 5.0-13.5) per 100 person-years (PY) among GSN apps’ users and 2.0 (95% CI 0.4-5.8) per 100 PY among nonusers. New HIV infections were independently associated with ever using GSN apps to seek male sexual partners (P=.04) and in the past 3 months, using recreational drugs (P=.048), having group sex with males (P=.01), and having CAI with male CPs (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS GSN apps’ use is associated with higher HIV incidence and may be mediated through recreational drug use and having multiple CPs. Researchers must develop an intervention propagated through GSN apps to reach this high-risk population to mitigate the HIV epidemic in the MSM community.


Author(s):  
Alison Hutton ◽  
Matthew Brendan Munn ◽  
Sydney White ◽  
Peter Kara ◽  
Jamie Ranse

Abstract Background: Dedicated on-site medical services have long been recommended to improve health outcomes at mass-gathering events (MGEs). In many countries, they are being reviewed as a mandatory requirement. While it is known that perceptions of risk shape substance use plans amongst outdoor music festival (OMF) attendees, it is unclear if attendees perceive the presence of on-site medical services as a part of the safety net. The aim of this paper is to better understand whether attendees’ perceptions of on-site medical services influence high-risk behaviors like alcohol and recreational drug use at OMFs. Method: A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of attendees entering and attending two separate 20,000-person OMFs; one in Canada (Festival A) and one in New Zealand (Festival B). Responses focused on demographics, planned alcohol and recreational drug use, perceptions of medical services, and whether the absence of medical services would impact attendees’ planned substance use. Results: A total of 851 (587 and 264 attendees for Festival A and Festival B, respectively) attendees consented and participated. Gender distribution was equal and average ages were 23 to 25. At Festival A, 48% and 89% planned to use alcohol and recreational drugs, respectively, whereas at Festival B, it was 92% and 44%. A great majority were aware and supportive of the presence of medical services at both festivals, and a moderate number considered them a factor in attendance and something they would not attend without. There was significant (>10%) agreement (range 11%-46%; or 2,200-9,200 attendees for a 20,000-person festival) at both festivals that the absence of medical services would affect attendees’ planned use of alcohol and recreational drugs. Conclusions: This study found that attendees surveyed at two geographically and musically distinct OMFs had high but differing rates of planned alcohol and recreational drug use, and that the presence of on-site medical services may impact attendees’ perceptions of substance use risk. Future research will aim to address the limitations of this study to clarify these findings and their implications.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Castro-Granell ◽  
Noé Garin ◽  
Ángeles Jaén ◽  
José Luis Casado ◽  
Lorna Leal ◽  
...  

AbstractWe analysed the impact of recreational drug use (RDU) on different outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV). A multicentre retrospective cohort study was performed with two cohorts of PLHIV included: people using recreational drugs (PURD) vs. people not using recreational drugs (PNURD). Overall, 275 PLHIV were included. RDU was associated with men having sex with men (OR 4.14, 95% CI [1.14, 5.19]), previous sexually transmitted infections (OR 4.00, 95% CI [1.97, 8.13]), and current smoking (OR 2.74, 95% CI [1.44, 5.19]). While the CD4/CD8 ratio increased amongst PNURD during the follow-up year, it decreased amongst PURD (p = 0.050). PURD presented lower scores of self-reported and multi-interval antiretroviral adherence (p = 0.017, and p = 0.006, respectively), emotional well-being (p < 0.0001), and regular follow-up (p = 0.059), but paid more visits to the emergency unit (p = 0.046). RDU worsens clinical, immunological, and mental health outcomes amongst PLHIV.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adedoyin Akinlonu ◽  
Ranjit Suri ◽  
Priyanka Yerragorla ◽  
Persio D. López ◽  
Tuoyo O. Mene-Afejuku ◽  
...  

Recreational drugs are commonly abused in all age groups. Intoxication with these substances can induce silent but significant electrocardiographic signs which may lead to sudden death. In this case study, we present a 49-year-old male with no medical comorbidities who came to the emergency department requesting opioid detoxification. Toxicology screen was positive for cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Initial electrocardiogram (EKG) showed features of a Brugada pattern in the right precordial leads, which resolved within one day into admission. This presentation is consistent with the recently recognized clinical entity known as Brugada phenocopy.


Author(s):  
Keith Dowding

This chapter examines the history of regulating recreational drugs in the USA, UK and Australia. It shows that the criminalization of recreational drugs is a relatively recent phenomenon, based not on citizen welfare but on fears that drugs affect the nation’s ability to wage war, whilst some early legislation was openly racist. It argues that the continued justification of drug criminalization is moralistic and has racist underpinnings. It suggests that whilst the social problems of recreational drug use are serious, they are no more serious than those of alcohol or gambling, and legalization has many advantages over continued criminalization. It examines the results of drug decriminalization in Portugal, and the likely practicality and social effects should recreational drugs be legalized. It argues that such legalization would also require careful regulation, much as we have for drugs manufactured for medical purposes. It compares the policy stance of governments on recreational drugs to that on the other issues discussed in this book.


2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Peretti-Watel ◽  
Valérie Guagliardo ◽  
Pierre Verger ◽  
Patrick Mignon ◽  
Jacques Pruvost ◽  
...  

This study examined attitudes toward doping among 458 French elite student-athletes (ESAs) ages 16–24, their correlates, and their relationship with cigarette, alcohol, and cannabis use. We found a consensus among ESAs concerning negative aspects of doping. A cluster analysis showed, however, that statements dealing with benefits of doping were endorsed by two significant minorities of respondents. These ESAs were more frequently older males with a lower parental academic achievement and no sporting history in their family. Recreational drug use depended on whether or not ESAs endorsed statements related to nonsporting benefits of doping. Using an analytical framework from the sociology of deviance, our findings suggest that athletes who dope themselves pursue legitimate goals with illegitimate means but justify their behavior with a legitimate rationale. Further research is needed on the nonrecreational use of recreational drugs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atabong Emmanuel Njingu ◽  
Fombo Enjeh Jabbossung ◽  
Nyuydzedze Stanley Sunjo ◽  
Stephen Eyong Njang Ayongi ◽  
Nembulefac Derick Kemndah

Abstract Background This study was aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its drivers among recreational drug users, compared to non-users using WHOQOL-BREF. Methods A total of 246 recreational drug users and 141 non-recreational drug users were recruited using consecutive sampling of adults in the community. Socio-demographic data, data related to recreational drug use and HRQoL were collected. Data were compared using t-test, analysis of variance and chi-square test. Determinants of HRQoL were obtained using multivariate regression models. Results The mean overall quality of life (OQOL) score was significantly higher for non-recreational drug users compared to users (75.89 ± 22.64 vs 61.08 ± 23.94, respectively, p < 0.001), non-users as well had significantly higher mean scores across all four domains of WHOQOL-BREF. After multivariable adjustment, use of recreational drugs negatively affected the psychological domain (β=-4.17, 95% CI -8.22 to -0,13) and the environmental domain (β=-4.47, 95% CI -8.48 to -0.45). Years of recreational drug use affected the social relationship domain (β=-0.55, 95% CI -0.88 to -0.22), OQOL (β=-0.57, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.19), and general health satisfaction (β=-0.71, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.35). Number of recreational drugs used contributed to poorer physical health (β=-1.45, 95% CI -2.57 to -0.33), psychological domain (β=-2.04, 95% CI -3.18 to -0.91), social relationship domain (β=-1.87, 95% CI -3.39 to -0.35) as well as overall quality of life (β=-2.13, 95% CI -3.89 to -0.37). Besides recreational drugs, monthly income also affected physical health (β = 5.17, 95% CI 2.96 to 7.38), psychological domain (β = 3.34, 95% CI 1.10 to 5.58), environmental domain (β = 2.64, 95% CI 0.42 to 4.85) and also the OQOL (β = 4.16, 95% CI 0.70 to 7.62). Conclusions Our findings suggest that, recreational drugs significantly negatively affect the health-related quality of life of its users. People who use multiple recreational drugs and longer years of recreational drug use had a more widespread effect across the health domains. Higher monthly income could improve the HRQoL of recreational drug users.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changping Li ◽  
Zeyang Yu ◽  
Yang Chen ◽  
Honglu Zhang ◽  
Huijie Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background- Recreational drug use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) was a public health issue of worldwide concern. Evidence had shown the relevance between recreational drug use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aimed to investigate the current prevalence state of recreational drug use among YMSM in Tianjin, discern the characteristics of YMSM who used recreational drugs or not and examine the interaction effect of recreational drug use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) on HIV infection.Methods- In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Tianjin, China. The snowball sampling method was used to recruit YMSM. Participants were recruited from gay bars, gay bathhouses, social network sites (WeChat, QQ, gay chat website), gay apps and peer referrals. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data.Results- A total of 1075 YMSM met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study eventually. The overall HIV prevalence was 4.3% (46/1075). Of all the recreational drugs involved in this study (rush poppers, methamphetamine, capsule No.0), rush poppers (406/517,78.5%) were the most popular among YMSM in Tianjin. Compared with non-drug users, drug users were more likely to have first sex earlier, be bisexual, be male sex worker (MSW), have a higher education level, seek sex partners through physical venues, engage in UAI, have sexually transmitted infection (STI), and receive HIV testing. Moreover, recreational drug use and UAI were associated with the increased risk of HIV infection [adjusted OR:3.6 (95%CI: 1.7-7.6) and 4.9 (95%CI: 2.2-10.4), respectively]. There was additive interaction of recreational drug use and UAI on HIV infection [relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): 6.949 (95%CI: 0.011‐13.887); attributable proportion due to interaction (AP): 0.809 (95%CI: 0.578‐1.039)].Conclusions- Recreational drug use was common and correlated with HIV infection among YMSM in Tianjin. There was an urgent need to build novel targeted HIV prevention strategies to discern and reduce recreational drug use among YMSM in China.


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