Sex under the influence

"Beer goggles" and "coyote ugly" are terms that are used to make light of having sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but these statistics from the University of Michigan are quite sobering. Alcohol is associated with a staggering percentage of date rapes, unplanned pregnancies and STDs.

Drugs and alcohol impair judgment and lower inhibitions, increasing the likelihood of risk-taking behaviors, like getting in a car with a drunk driver, or having unprotected sex. In recent years, club drugs like ecstasy and crystal meth have increased the incidence of unsafe sex and HIV transmission, especially in the gay male community. This link from the Fenway Community Health Center in Boston explains more.

The best practice is to the limit consumption of alcohol and to avoid illicit drug use, especially in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous surroundings. Make a plan before going to a party or going on a date, resolving issues before they come up and before the first sip of alcohol; then stick to your choices. I'm only going to have three beers tonight. I am not ready to move forward with a sexual relationship with this person. And although it's not kindergarten, it's always best to use the buddy-system; hang out with people you trust, and look out for one another.

Waking up with regret (or an STD) is the last thing anyone wants. Sadly, it's a cycle that tends to repeat itself. Break the cycle before it's too late. After all, it's not about living in a convent or a monastary, it's about staying in control.