- Marijuana and alcohol use can impair judgment and lead to serious consequences. Recent studies show that teenage girls who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to have sex.
- In 2003, approximately one out of four (23.9%) sexually active ninth–grade girls had used alcohol or drugs during their last sexual intercourse.
- Nearly one quarter of sexually active teens and young adults say they have had unprotected sex because they were using alcohol or drugs at the time. Twelve percent of sexually active teens ages 15 to 17 and 25 percent of sexually active youths ages 18 to 24 reported having had unprotected sex while they were using alcohol or drugs.
- Alcohol or drug use can place young people at higher risk for contracting an STD, as those whose use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have sex with multiple partners.
- Substance abuse may also be related to higher rates of unintended pregnancy because drug and alcohol use is associated with decreased condom use and increased casual sexual activity during which contraceptives of any kind are less likely to be used.
- Many girls lose their virginity while drunk. Many of those become pregnant, or do things they wouldn’t do when sober.
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Contributed by: Ajit Golatkar
