“Sexydelics”
Sexydelics - a fusion of sex & psychedelics that potentially enhances intimacy, pleasure, and connection through a mind-expanding and altered state of consciousness.
The Psychedelic Comeback: Why 'Sexydelics' Matter Now
A Psychedelic Renaissance
Psychedelics are making a major comeback. After decades of prohibition, substances like psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine are re-emerging in medical research, therapy, and even mainstream culture. The "psychedelic renaissance" isn't just about recreation-it's about healing. Clinical studies on psychedelics show promising results for conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction, and their potential for sexual healing is becoming a topic of interest.
But as we all know, sexuality is never a priority when it comes to founding research, even thou WHO states that sexual health is “…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006a)
A Brief History of Psychedelics and Sexual Exploration
- Ancient Practices: Many indigenous cultures have used psychedelics in sacred sexual rituals, fertility rites, and initiation ceremonies. Substances like ayahuasca, peyote, and psilocybin have long been tools for spiritual and physical union.
- The 1960s and Free Love: Psychedelics were deeply tied to the sexual revolution, as LSD and psilocybin helped break down social and psychological barriers around sexuality.
- The War on Drugs & Suppression: From the 1970s onward, psychedelics were criminalized, and research halted-setting back our understanding of their potential for intimacy and healing.
- The 21st Century Psychedelic Renaissance: Today, MDMA-assisted therapy is on the verge of legalization for PTSD treatment, psilocybin is being decriminalized and offered at different retreats in Europe, though still not legal in Scandinavia. Psychedelics are becoming tools for deep emotional processing, including around sex and intimacy.
How Psychedelics Affect the Brain and Nervous System
Psychedelics impact the brain in ways that can enhance intimacy, reduce shame, and expand pleasure:
- Neuroplasticity: Substances like psilocybin and LSD increase neuroplasticity, allowing for new perspectives on intimacy and pleasure.
- Amygdala Downregulation: MDMA, for example, reduces fear by dampening the amygdala's activity, making it easier to process trauma without being overwhelmed.
- Default Mode Network (DMN) Suppression: Many psychedelics quiet the DMN, the part of the brain responsible for self-criticism and rigid thought patterns-this can allow people to let go of ingrained sexual shame or performance anxiety.
- Oxytocin & Serotonin Boost: MDMA and psilocybin increase bonding and emotional connection, which can enhance trust and intimacy in sexual experiences.
Different Psychedelics for Sexual Healing & Pleasure Expansion
- MDMA - Best for trauma healing, intimacy, and emotional connection.
- Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) - Helps reframe shame, expand pleasure, and increase body awareness.
- LSD - Can enhance sensory experiences and allow for deep emotional/erotic exploration.
- Ketamine - Useful for dissociation healing and reconnecting with the body after trauma. “A disconnect to reconnect”
- Ayahuasca - A powerful tool for confronting deep-rooted sexual trauma and re-establishing body-spirit connection.
Why This Matters
The rise of psychedelics offers an opportunity to explore sexuality in new, healing ways. In a world where sexual shame, trauma, and repression still dominate, psychedelics could serve as tools for deeper self-acceptance, intimacy, and expanded pleasure.
NB! However, responsible use, consent, and harm reduction are key to ensuring that these experiences remain healing rather than harmful. This article is in no way trying to promote use of illegal drugs, reckless use, or in any way saying that this is a solution for everybody. It´s ment as informal as to what is already going on in our (sub)culture. As always, remember that harm reduction, conscious and intentional use and planing, such as “set and setting”, is absolutely the way to go if you are considering doing sexedelics/sexydelics.
