Drugs and Alcohol
Making a decision about sex is never easy. There are many things that influence your decision... If you choose to use alcohol and other drugs, your ability to make any decisions is affected. Teens who drink alcohol and use drugs are more likely to be sexually active. When teens were asked in a survey whether they were drinking or using drugs the last time they had sex, 25 percent of them said "yes." Teens who drink are seven times more likely than teens who don't drink to have had sex. And teens who use drugs are five times more likely to have had sex. To keep yourself safe, remember the following:
- If your friends are pushing you to use drugs and alcohol, they aren't good friends.
- If your partner pushes you to use drugs and alcohol, this is not a healthy relationship. Remember, you have a right to make your own choices.
- If you are drunk or stoned, you might have sex and put yourself at risk of unintended pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases. If you have sex, or you can't remember what happened, get tested for STDs.
- Drugs and alcohol affect your decision making. You may make decisions to do things when you are drunk or stoned that you would never do if you were sober. People might take advantage of you when you are drunk or stoned. Sex without your permission is called sexual assault. If you think you have been assaulted, call your local sexual assault centre or the police.
- Sharing needles or other drug equipment can give you STDs such as HIV and Hepatitis B.
- Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can hurt an unborn fetus. If you are pregnant, don't use them. If you are addicted, seek help.
- If you do use alcohol and other drugs, set limits for yourself and have someone with you that will help you stick to those limits.
- Take care of yourself. Watch out for your friends who may be putting themselves at risk.
- Protect yourself from date rape drugs. Don't drink anything you didn't open yourself. Never leave a drink unattended. Don't drink anything that looks or tastes odd.
