Your Space West Sussex :: Sexual Health

Alcohol and sex

It is well known that we are more likely to take risks when we have been drinking and this applies to sex too.


There’s not just the risk or acquiring a pair of beer goggles and waking up next to a minger.

There’s also the more serious risk of waking up with more than just a hangover.

Over half of all cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infection has occurred because sexual partners were drunk.

If you do have sex with someone, remember to use a condom.

There are also strong links between alcohol and sexual violence, with approximately one-third of sexual assaults taking place when the victim has consumed alcohol. Perpetrators take advantage of their victim’s vulnerability, caused by excessive drinking.

Many perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse also drink alcohol prior to the incident and/or have drinking problems.

The annual 'party' season has, in past years, seen a rise in the number of incidents of rape or serious sexual assault reported to Sussex Police. A large percentage of these reports are recorded as alcohol influenced.

And remember:

  • Don’t let alcohol leave you vulnerable.
  • Don’t let alcohol affect your judgement.
  • No means no.
Content courtesy of Drinkaware



For more information and to see the ‘No consent, No sex’ video:

External Website: Sussex Police - Rape Aware

Last updated: 27 May 2010