What About Drink, Drugs and Sex?
Drink and drugs can make you feel relaxed and more confident… but getting drunk or stoned can also end up with you doing things that you might regret later.
Alcohol and drugs like cannabis and e (ecstasy) change the way you behave. Making decisions about sex can be difficult even when you’re sober, so getting drunk or stoned could work against you.
When you are drunk or stoned:
- condoms can be harder to use
- you could go further than you really want to
- you could be pressured into having sex that you don’t really want
- you could have trouble getting turned on (sexually aroused) and men might have problems keeping an erection
- you might forget what happened.
As well as increasing your risk of getting an STI, including HIV, or an unplanned pregnancy, you could end up feeling pretty low the morning after. Lots of young people regret having had sex when they were wasted.
But mistakes can happen
Lots of young people regret having had sex when they were wasted.
If you’re feeling worried about something that has happened to you when you’ve been drunk or stoned, go and talk to someone. See the address book to access people who can help.
Protecting yourself and your partner and/or friends is important
- Be aware of what you’re drinking/using and how much
- Look out for your friends to make sure they are in control and get home safely… and ask them to look out for you too!
- Only have sex if you’re totally sure that’s what you want, and always use condoms.
What about injecting drugs?
HIV and some other infections, like Hepatitis C, can be passed on by sharing equipment to inject drugs. The best ways to avoid getting infections is not to inject…the next best thing is not to share any injecting equipment with anyone.
Want more info or help?
For more info and advice: www.knowthescore.info (0800 587 5879) and Drinkline (0800 917 8282)
Safer sex?
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