Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone related to social, emotional, and sexual behaviors. Some mental health and medical experts refer to oxytocin as “the love hormone” or “the cuddle chemical.” This is because oxytocin is related to attraction, pleasure, and contentment in social relationships.
Some people may use oxytocin nasal sprays for a range of conditions. This over-the-counter product is widely available in pharmacies, retail stores, and drug stores. However, some may wonder about the potential for abuse or addiction.
This article will explore oxytocin nasal spray use and addiction. You will learn:
- How oxytocin affects the body
- If it is possible to become addicted to oxytocin spray
- How to recognize oxytocin spray abuse
- What to expect in treatment for oxytocin abuse
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with oxytocin spray abuse or another form of addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our rehab and recovery support programs. You may also reach out with questions or for assistance scheduling an intake appointment.
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a hormone. The hypothalamus (a region of the brain) produces oxytocin in specific situations, including:
- During labor and deliver
- During sexual activity
- During social activities like hugging, holding hands, kissing, etc.
- During a massage
- During stressful periods
- During breastfeeding
Oxytocin can support positive social behaviors like trusting others, building relationships, and feeling content with others.
Oxytocin Nasal Spray: An Overview
Synthetic oxytocin nasal sprays are marketed as a supplement that may help people with a range of conditions. Manufacturers suggest that using these sprays may help with depression, anxiety, obesity, and autism. People may use them to support better social interactions or to improve their sensitivity to others’ emotions.
The FDA does not approve of or regulate oxytocin nasal sprays. Research shows that receiving oxytocin in this way may lead to adverse effects. There is not enough research on the long-term effects of oxytocin sprays to guarantee their safety.
Oxytocin is a hormone that generally impacts a person’s social behaviors, emotions, and relationships. A person’s oxytocin levels may affect how they interact with others or feel about their relationships. Administration of oxytocin in a non-medical setting may have unexpected consequences.
One study found that people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) became more suspicious of others when taking oxytocin nasal sprays. Other mental health experts wonder if people who use intranasal oxytocin may become more invested in unhealthy relationships.
There is not enough research to prove people can benefit from oxytocin use. While some people who use it may experience positive effects, it may have potential risks.
Can You Get Addicted to Oxytocin Spray?
It is not possible to become physically dependent on oxytocin spray. However, people who use it frequently may develop symptoms of psychological addiction. Some signs of psychological addiction include:
- Believing you need a substance to socialize, sleep, or function in other ways
- Thinking about using the substance a lot
- Spending a lot of energy getting the substance
- Feeling anxious if you run out of a substance
- Losing interest in other activities
- Using a substance to manage mental health symptoms, stress, or other challenges
It is crucial to recognize oxytocin spray abuse and seek treatment if you have unwanted side effects. Some research suggests that oxytocin spray may make symptoms of a mental health condition worse.
If you or someone you love uses oxytocin spray frequently, they may need support to quit. Comprehensive treatment programs provide mental health care, medical treatments, education, and other therapies. This holistic approach to treatment can help people explore the roots of their substance abuse and move forward.
Treating Oxytocin Spray Abuse
People who become psychologically addicted to oxytocin spray may need treatment to quit using it. Substance abuse treatment programs consist of evidence-based and holistic therapies. These therapies can help people to explore and address the behavioral, emotional, and physical aspects of their substance use.
Substance abuse treatment plans may include:
- Medical detox programs (medications, supervision, medical treatment, mental health support)
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual and group counseling
- Family education and therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, creative expression, and more
- Aftercare planning and support
It isn’t possible to develop a physical dependence on oxytocin nasal spray. However, using it to get “high” or to manage mental health symptoms may be a sign of a problem.
Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of oxytocin spray abuse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Overcoming substance abuse can be very challenging, but having the right support and treatment can help.
First Step Behavioral Health offers supportive, effective substance abuse treatment. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Science Direct: The role of oxytocin in social bonding, stress regulation and mental health: An update on the moderating effects of context and interindividual differences
- National Institute of Health (NIH): A novel role of oxytocin: Oxytocin-induced well-being in humans
- NIH: The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction in young children with autism: a randomized clinical trial
- Journal of Molecular Psychiatry: Advances in the field of intranasal oxytocin research: lessons learned and future directions for clinical research
