When people start using recreational drugs, whether illegal or abused-prescription, it’s not just a gateway to other drugs that is opened. The world of promiscuous, unsafe sex is opened and has its’ own consequences that can affect your life for years to come. Being under the influence and deciding to have sex in a delusional state can lead to a person getting STDs, unwanted/unplanned pregnancies, changed relationships with people you care about, addiction to sex, and emotional aftermath. Because drugs and random sex trigger the same reward system in the brain that desires reckless actions, it’s not uncommon for people to experience both drug and sex addiction. It’s important for people to understand the connection between drugs and dangerous sex.
What Drugs are Usually Involved?
Cocaine, ecstasy, and alcohol are the common (but not only) culprits that lead people to dangerous sexual encounters. Cocaine is used before sex because as a stimulant, users have more energy and often feel more confident going into the act. The drug creates a rush of adrenaline for people, and will lead to users having sex with more partners while high and in turn a higher rate of contracting an STD like HIV. Similar to cocaine, ecstasy gives users more energy and lowered inhibitions, while also creating sympathetic feelings of love and affection. In turn, users who have sex frequently as a result of drug use will have a high chance of obtaining an STD, unwanted pregnancy, and feelings of remorse and regret once sobering up. Lastly, alcohol is used to calm nerves and breakdown social barriers – this makes it easier for people to engage in sexual activities that they may not perform while sober. All of these drugs dilute a person’s coherent thinking, so in addition to being more likely to engage in sex because of clouded judgment, users will be less likely to wear a condom or practice other safe-sex methods.
What Are the Consequences?
Having sex is not a decision that should be made while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. When your thoughts are distorted by drugs, you may not consider the risks associated with sex, such as diseases, addiction, unplanned pregnancies, and harm to your self-esteem and emotional well-being. Many people may not ask the right questions such as if their partner for the night has any STDs, and they may forget to use a condom or other safe-sex item. As I said before, drugs cloud judgment, when you’re high or drunk you can’t make rational decisions, such as taking necessary precautions to ensure safety, or having sex with people you may not choose to while sober. It should be common knowledge at this point that unprotected sex (which is common with drug-induced intercourse) can lead to the transmission of STDs.
Let’s Wrap This Up
I’m hoping that it should already be known to people that because drugs and alcohol lower inhibitions, that those under the influence will be less likely to perform safe-sex, and have sex with more people – both factors that contribute to STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and feelings of regret or remorse. Sex is a big deal, and shouldn’t be taken so lightly given the potential outcomes. As such, any decisions relating to intercourse should be made while both involved are sober and coherent – not drunk, high, or coming down off a binge.
Be smart when it comes to sex – not drunk or high.