Drugs and alcohol

In a survey of young people ages 15-24 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 9 out of 10 people surveyed reported that their peers use alcohol or illegal drugs before sex at least some of the time. Seven out of 10 also reported that condoms are not always used when alcohol and drugs are involved. Twenty-nine percent of those teens and young adults surveyed said that they've "done more" sexually while under the influence of drugs or alcohol than they normally would have when sober.

The effects of drugs and alcohol can make it hard to think clearly, let alone make the best possible decisions about sex. While you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol it is easy to make a decision you'll regret later--decisions that can lead to a sexually transmitted infection or an unwanted pregnancy. Even worse, there are some people who will use the effects of alcohol and other drugs to force you into having sex with them.

Check Yourself: A resource for older teens to think in a focused way about their relationship with drugs and alcohol, and to consider whether their substance use risks turning into a problem for them.