Effects of Alcohol & Drugs on Sexual Life

• Alcohol can make you behave in a way that you wouldn’t if you were sober.

  According to the SHAG (Sexual Health and Attitudes, Galway) 2017 survey, 60% of Irish women and 55% of men say they are more likely to do sexual things that they wouldn’t do if sober and almost 30% of both men and women regretted their sexual experience after consuming alcohol.

• Many people have risky, unplanned and often unsatisfactory sex after using drugs, especially after using alcohol.

  21% of Irish women and 30% of men confirmed that they are less likely (to ask a partner) to use a condom
  after drinking. The sexual performance is also noted to be affected.

• Substance (ab)use can affect your capability to give clear consent.

  31.5% of women and 57% of men agree they find it harder to say “no” to sexual advances when being drunk or on drugs. However, this condition doesn’t remove the necessity to get consent from the person before engaging in the sexual activity. Read more about consent here.

• You are still responsible for your behavior, even if you are drunk or on drugs.

If you are concerned about your alcohol or drug use you can find a list of supports here.