Alcohol and substance abuse

Drink, drugs and sex

Drink and drugs can make people feel less nervous, which might make having sex while drunk or high seem like a good idea. However, sex and alcohol and/or drugs can be a dangerous combination.

These are just some of the dangers you might face if you have sex while drunk or under the influence of drugs:

• You may be more likely to forget to use a condom. It’s best to use a condom to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or pregnancy
• If you use another form of contraception, e.g. the pill, you may forget to take it
• Both alcohol and drugs can lower your inhibitions, which might make you more likely to do something you don’t really want to
• You may lose self-control, which could put you in a position where you may be more susceptible to sexual assault, including rape

Umbrella can help if you have any sexual health concerns, for example if you think you may have an STI because you had sex without a condom.

Alcohol and drug addiction and abuse

If you or somebody you know is having problems with misuse of drugs and/or alcohol, Umbrella’s partner organisations can help.

Aquarius

Aquarius helps young people up to 25 in Birmingham overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. (Aquarius does not offer an adult service in Birmingham – support services are for young people up to 25 only. Adult drug and alcohol services are provided by Change Grow Live.)

Change Grow Live (CGL)

Change Grow Live offers treatment and recovery services to support anyone experiencing difficulties with drugs and/or alcohol in a range of local community settings across Birmingham. Services are free and confidential.

Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS)

SIAS is a partnership between four organisations which are jointly responsible for the delivery of drug and alcohol services in the Borough of Solihull.