When people start using recreational drugs, whether illegal or abused-prescription, they don’t only open a gateway to other drugs. 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 are the Common Drugs?
Cocaine, ecstasy, and alcohol are the common (but not only) culprits that lead people to dangerous sexual encounters. Many use cocaine 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 on drugs will have a high chance of getting an STD or an unwanted pregnancy. Feelings of remorse and regret also often come once sobering up. Lastly, alcohol calms 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 of Mixing Drugs and Dangerous Sex?
Having sex is not a decision that you should make 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 has any STDs. In tun, 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. For example, you might not take precautions to ensure safety. You might also have sex with people you wouldn’t have when sober. It should be common knowledge at this point that unprotected sex can lead to the transmission of STDs.
Let’s Wrap This Up
I’m hoping people already know that because drugs and alcohol lower inhibitions, you will be less likely to perform safe-sex. They’ll also have sex with more people. Both are factors that contribute to STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and feelings of regret or remorse. Sex is a big deal, and no one should take it so lightly given the potential outcomes. As such, individuals should make any intercourse-related decisions while they are both sober and coherent. Not when they’re drunk, high, or coming down off a binge.
Don’t mix drugs and dangerous sex.
For more information about Morningside Recovery’s drug addiction treatment and addiction therapy services call us at 855-271-2252.
By Michelle Conway
Photo by: Wapster (flickr)
