It may seem like a good idea at the time, but alcohol and sex, or other drugs and sex are not a good mix. An even worse combination is to mix sex with alcohol AND other drugs. But according to the research, almost one-third of Australian high school students were drunk or high the last time they had sex (La Trobe University, 2002).
Jami, 15, says "I thought I really did like him but it was a drunk thing…I don't really remember it, it's kind of sad actually cos I always pictured it to be like this really nice thing."
It can be hard to avoid either the pressure or the temptation of alcohol and other drugs, like marijuana or ecstasy, if everyone around you is into it. It's a normal part of Australian culture to drink alcohol, and alcohol and other drug use in certain environments, like the Ball and Leavers, are pretty common.
Part of the challenge of being a young person is learning to know and understand your limits with alcohol or drugs and to try to behave in a way that allows you to stay true to your own values and beliefs.
There's a massive difference between getting relaxed and chatty, and getting wasted and not knowing what you're doing. Some young people deliberately get drunk or high before having sex for the first time, thinking it will prepare them better.
Link to Drug and Alcohol Office for more information on this topic.
Risk and regret
The night of nights – school ball and leavers
Drink spiking
