Risky business: alcohol and one night stands

When you’re caught up in the heat of the moment it’s hard to think about anything else but the person you’re with. Add alcohol into the mix, and it’s even more difficult to keep a clear head – which can lead to some risky behaviour.

“Alcohol reduces our ability to think clearly, so when people drink alcohol they are more likely to take risks,” says Rachael Wyartt from Ask Brook - brook.org.uk.

“These risks can include putting yourself in unsafe situations, having sex with someone you wish you hadn’t and not using a condom – or not using it properly.”

One night stands

Alcohol works to lower your inhibitions. This means that while a small amount may make it feel easier to speak to someone you fancy, too much can cloud your judgement. In a survey of 16-24-year-olds by Youthnet (1) nearly a third (32%) of those interviewed said they had a one night stand they regretted because they were drunk, making for an embarrassing morning after.

As well as affecting your judgement, excess alcohol can also make you vulnerable. In the same survey nearly a quarter (22%) of respondents said they had been home with a stranger after drinking, and 17% had woken up somewhere without being able to remember how they got there.

If someone is trying to take advantage of you then they’re more likely to do it by feeding you booze without your knowledge than slipping you a tablet. Alcohol is the drug most commonly used to spike drinks in cases of ‘date rape’ – which is why it pays to know exactly what’s going into your glass at all times. (2)

Because of these effects, making sure your mates are safe is an important part of any night out.

Keep an eye on your friends and check they’re OK before they leave the party with someone they don’t know. Check that they know what they’re doing and are able to get home later if they need to.

Safe sex

Sexually transmitted infections are a growing problem in the UK – and alcohol plays a key part in how STIs spread.  Condoms are the best protection against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. But after a couple of drinks even people who are clued-up about safe sex can forget, or not bother, to insist on using one. Studies show that you’re three times more likely to have sex without a condom if you’ve been drinking. (3)

Having children may be something you want to do in the future. However, drinking too much and going without a condom can make parenthood a reality far faster than you’d prefer. And catching an STI could seriously reduce your chances of having children in the future.

As well as making you take the risk of missing out on contraception, alcohol also messes with your motor skills. This means that you or your partner may rip the condom with your fingernails or put it on incorrectly so it won’t offer the right level of protection.  

If you’re worried about unintended pregnancy, remember that there’s help and support available.

“If you think there is a risk of pregnancy you can get the emergency contraceptive pill up to 72 hours after having sex – it is more effective the sooner you take it,” says Rachael.

Sure shots: 3 ways to make sure alcohol does not get you involved in risky situations

1. Keep track of how many units you’re drinking. The government guidelines recommend that women should not regularly exceed 2-3 units daily and that men should not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that under 18s should not drink alcohol unless supervised by an adult.

2. If you decide to leave your friends during a night out, let them know where you are going. It is also important to plan your route home or book a taxi in advance and make sure you have credit on your phone.

3. Carrying a condom along with your keys and mobile phone can make sex far less risky whether you plan to drink or not. Take a couple of spares to help out your friends too.

Footnotes

(1) Youthnet 2009, ‘Sex Factor: Young People and Sexual Health’.
(2) Independent Advisory Group on Sex and HIV 2007, ‘Sex, Drugs, Alcohol and Young People’ p.22.
(3) Ibid.

Page last updated by

Matthew Bateman, 23 Aug 2010.

Page checked on

04 Feb 2010