Is there a pill for love? What about an "anti-love drug", to help us get
over an ex? This book argues that certain psychoactive substances,
including MDMA--the active ingredient in Ecstasy--may help ordinary
couples work through relationship difficulties and strengthen their
connection. Others may help sever an emotional connection during a
breakup. These substances already exist, and they have transformative
implications for how we think about love. This book builds a case for
conducting research into "love drugs" and "anti-love drugs" and explores
their ethical implications for individuals and society. Scandalously,
Western medicine tends to ignore the interpersonal effects of drug-based
interventions. Why are we still in the dark about the effects of these
drugs on romantic partnerships? And how can we overhaul scientific
research norms to take relationships more fully into account?
Ethicists Brian D. Earp and Julian Savulescu say that the time to think
through such questions is now. Biochemical interventions into love and
relationships are not some far-off speculation. Our most intimate
connections are already being influenced by drugs we ingest for other
purposes. Controlled studies are underway to see whether artificial
brain chemicals can enhance couples therapy. And conservative religious
groups are experimenting with certain medications to quash romantic
desires--and even the urge to masturbate--among children and vulnerable
sexual minorities. Simply put, the horse has bolted. Where it runs is up
to us. Love Drugs arms us with the latest scientific knowledge and a
set of ethical tools that we can use to decide if these sorts of
medications should be a part of our society. Or whether a chemical
romance will be right for us.
