Alcohol, Drugs & Sex

Alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs can all impact our ability to make positive sexual health choices. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug.

It is legal and freely available to people over 18. However, we need to be realistic and admit that many young people under the age of 18 also use alcohol.

Using alcohol makes people relaxed and lowers their inhibitions. Some people feel more confident, others feel a loss of control. People tend to behave differently under the influence of alcohol and can do things that they would not do when sober.

People might be more likely to get involved in sexual activity and at times like this, it’s easy to forget about practising safer sex, or just not bother with it at all.

Remember that any unprotected sex can carry a risk of pregnancy and/or infections so it’s a good idea to have condoms with you all the time because this means they are available when you might need them. Try to stay aware of your sexual health even when you’re drunk.

Drugs, whether prescription or illegal, all have the potential to change the way you feel and act too, this also goes for how you feel and act sexually!

Injecting drugs of any kind with shared needles, syringes and other equipment carries a high risk of contracting a number of serious infections/viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C.

What some people don’t realise is that the risk is not just limited to injecting equipment, but can also be passed through the paraphernalia that is used to take drugs. Infection can be passed through bank notes or straws that are used to sniff drugs, but also through water, cups and spoons.

To keep yourself safe, never share equipment used to take drugs.