Alcohol, Drugs and Sex
In Britain, there is a big culture of going out. Often a night out will involve drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs. People do this because it can make meeting new people easier and more fun.
But there are also risks. These risks grow when you involve alcohol and/or drugs in your sex life.
But there are also risks. These risks grow when you involve alcohol and/or drugs in your sex life.
The Risks of Sex and Substances
When you drink alcohol or take drugs, you change how your brain works. This is why you feel drunk or high. The change in your thoughts and emotions can affect your actions. You might do things that you wouldn't do sober.
For example, you might have sex with someone you wouldn't normally find attractive.
You can also make other risky choices, like:
Remember, if you ever feel unsafe, it's important to stop. You should try to go home, or to somewhere safe with someone you trust. In an emergency, always call 999.
For example, you might have sex with someone you wouldn't normally find attractive.
You can also make other risky choices, like:
- Not using contraception to avoid pregnancy
- Not using condoms to stop Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) spreading
- Going somewhere unsafe to have sex
- Having riskier sex than you normally would (e.g. public sex or kinky sex)
Remember, if you ever feel unsafe, it's important to stop. You should try to go home, or to somewhere safe with someone you trust. In an emergency, always call 999.
Alcohol, Drugs and Consent
Taking drugs and drinking alcohol can have an effect on consent.
If someone is high or drunk, they might not fully grasp what is happening. If they don't know what's going on, they cannot give proper consent.
Even if they do understand, they might not be able to express consent. If they cannot say a clear yes or no, they cannot give consent.
Before starting any sexual contact, ALWAYS make sure they are:
If you aren't sure if someone's too drunk or high, stop. Wait until everyone is sober before talking about, or having, sex.
Having sex with someone who is unable to consent is sexual assault.
If someone is high or drunk, they might not fully grasp what is happening. If they don't know what's going on, they cannot give proper consent.
Even if they do understand, they might not be able to express consent. If they cannot say a clear yes or no, they cannot give consent.
Before starting any sexual contact, ALWAYS make sure they are:
- Coordinated
- Responsive
- Coherent
If you aren't sure if someone's too drunk or high, stop. Wait until everyone is sober before talking about, or having, sex.
Having sex with someone who is unable to consent is sexual assault.
Alcohol and Sex
Alcohol often makes us feel more confident. That means we might feel more able to chat someone up in a bar. However, it can make you less able to go through with sex.
It can cause:
All of these are normal responses to alcohol in your body. You should not feel ashamed of them. If you keep having problems when sober, you can get in touch. Our team are happy to support you.
It can cause:
- Vaginal dryness
- Problems getting and/or keeping erections
- Delayed or unreachable orgasms
All of these are normal responses to alcohol in your body. You should not feel ashamed of them. If you keep having problems when sober, you can get in touch. Our team are happy to support you.
Date-Rape Drugs
Some drugs, or extra alcohol, can make people more vulnerable to sexual assault. If someone adds these to your drink, it is often called spiking.
Spiking someone's drink is a crime. It is a crime whether or not a sexual assault takes place.
No one ever deserves to have their drink spiked. 100% of the blame lies with the person who spikes the drink.
The drugs normally used for spiking can have a number of symptoms, such as:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to get somewhere safe. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. We have a specific page with help and advice on what to do next.
Spiking someone's drink is a crime. It is a crime whether or not a sexual assault takes place.
No one ever deserves to have their drink spiked. 100% of the blame lies with the person who spikes the drink.
The drugs normally used for spiking can have a number of symptoms, such as:
- Feeling weak or 'out of control'
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling confused
- Feeling sleepy and/or passing out
- Feeling 'strange' or being drunker than you expect
- Blurred vision or trouble seeing properly
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Trouble talking
- Having hallucinations
- Acting strangely or out of character
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to get somewhere safe. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. We have a specific page with help and advice on what to do next.
Addiction Signs
Alcohol and drugs are addictive substances. They can have a big effect on your life and health. Addiction is not a moral failing. You deserve help and support.
Some warning signs for addiction are:
Some warning signs for addiction are:
- Being unable to remember your night due to drinking / drugs
- Failing to meet responsibilities (e.g. missing work because you're high)
- Feeling that you need the substance daily or a number of times a day
- Having intense urges that block out other thoughts
- Needing to use more of the substance to get the same effect
- Spending money you can't afford on the substance
- Doing reckless / illegal things to get the substance (e.g. stealing to pay for it)
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you try to sto
For support and advice on addiction, please talk to