• For 24/7 Treatment Help Call

    (800) 526-5053

  • Viagra and Cialis aren’t physically addictive or habit-forming the way that cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine are. But, Viagra abuse is still a serious risk and can potentially lead to sexually debilitating psychological addiction.

    Erectile Dysfunction Background

    Occasional symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) are common and normal even among young men, and often have to do with stress, sleep, nutrition, and other day-to-day physical and mental changes.

    But severe or total ED—the long-term inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual experiences—is another issue. And Viagra, the ‘little blue pill’ introduced by Pfizer in 1998, was a game-changer for the 5 to 15% of men between 40 and 70 who struggle with this condition.

    How Do ED Drugs Work?

    There are two main causes behind ED:

    • psychological factors, including depression, stress, or simple lack of sexual arousal
    • physiological factors, specifically vascular dysfunction preventing adequate blood flow where it counts

    The drugs sildenafil citrate (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) treat the physical side of the equation. 

    These drugs are PDE5 inhibitors, which increase nitrates in the body, allowing blood vessels to dilate/expand. This allows blood to flow more freely, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection once aroused.

    Viagra typically kicks in within thirty to sixty minutes after being taken, and its effects can last for several hours depending on age, diet, dosage, alcohol use, and interactions with other medications.

    Why Take ED Drugs Recreationally?

    If Viagra and Cialis can boost men who otherwise can’t get or keep an erection, what would it do for healthy men who don’t have any ED issues?

    A lot, as it turns out.

    Taking ED medications without a prescription can cause increased short-term sexual performance with stronger erections, improved stamina, decreased recovery time, and enhanced orgasms. 

    And, it’s no surprise that these medications have become popular party drugs and a staple among younger men in certain nightlife scenes.

    The Risks Of ED Drug Abuse

    Drug abuse is any use of a restricted substance without a proper prescription or any drug use that does not treat a valid medical condition. Long-term drug abuse is often associated with a variety of side effects and negative outcomes, and ED medications are no exception.

    Sexual Dysfunction

    In the case of Viagra and other ED drugs, recreational abuse can lead to a long-term decline in sexual performance, sexual satisfaction, and erectile function.

    As you continue to take the drug your body will begin to develop tolerance to its effects, especially if you’re using it frequently. And this overcorrection can eventually make it harder to get ANY erection, even when using erectile dysfunction drugs.

    In essence, abusing a treatment for ED can cause ED to develop.

    Psychological Dependence

    Viagra and other phosphodiesterase inhibitors don’t work on your brain’s pleasure centers, and the drugs won’t cause physical dependence or addiction.

    But if you take a pill to enhance the experience each time you engage in sexual activity, it can cause you to become mentally dependent on that pill in order to perform sexually or to satisfy your own sexual expectations.

    This can erode your sexual confidence and satisfaction with your sex life, resulting in performance anxiety and long-term issues related to your baseline sexual or erectile capabilities.

    Counterfeited Products

    ED drugs are only legally available from pharmacies with a valid prescription. But many of those who take them recreationally will purchase them online from offshore pharmacies, or get them through other means.

    A large proportion of this underground ED drug trade involves diluted or counterfeited versions of the drug that might contain anything from other drugs to harmful filler compounds.

    Harmful Interactions

    When ED medications are used as recreational drugs without proper prescriptions it increases the likelihood of serious side effects. 

    This can include vision or hearing loss, erections lasting longer than 4 hours, and severely low blood pressure, especially if you have been taking medications for hypertension, or nitroglycerine to treat chest pain.

    Recovering From ED Drug Misuse

    Sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of substance abuse in general, and one of the issues that can be worked through during the addiction recovery process.

    Fortunately, with time and sobriety, these symptoms often resolve naturally.

    To learn more, please contact Ark Behavioral Health today.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    International Journal of Impotence Research - Recreational use of erectile dysfunction medication may decrease confidence in ability to gain and hold erections in young males
    National Capital Poison Center - Drugs for ED
    National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Sildenafil
    National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Tadalafil

    Medically Reviewed by
    Kimberly Langdon M.D.
    on July 29, 2022
    Questions About Treatment?

    Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Achieve long-term recovery.

    100% confidential. We respect your privacy.
    Prefer Texting?

    Our friendly support team is here to chat 24/7. Opt out any time.

    chat-header

    Our Facilities

    Premier Drug Rehab & Mental Health Care Facilities In Massachusetts & Ohio

    Bedrock Recovery

    Canton, MA

    • Medical detox
    • Inpatient & Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • Movie Theater & Fitness Center

    Learn More

    Northeast Addictions

    Quincy, MA

    • Day treatment program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Full-Day Group Therapy
    • Easy Access to Public Transit

    Learn More

    Spring Hill Recovery Center

    Ashby, MA

    • Residential Treatment
    • Gender-Specific Residencies
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Expansive 70-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    Ohio Recovery Center

    Van Wert, OH

    • Medical Detox
    • Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • 55-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    For Immediate Treatment Help Call 800-526-5053