Teens might make impulsive choices. Perhaps during a night of partying, fueled by alcohol or drugs, an adolescent comes home in a police car—or winds up breaking a bone. Sometimes substance abuse extends into adulthood, and a grown person becomes too rowdy during a night out, embarrassing themself or their friends.
When substances drive actions, the consequences can be trivial or character-building at best, triggering maturity. But, there are also moments when substance-sparked actions cause permanent, negative, or life-changing consequences in the lives of teenagers and adults, especially concerning sexual health.
Both adults and young people suffer from substance-related sexual health issues. If you’re a concerned parent, invested educator, family member, or someone who uses substances, understanding the connection between substance abuse and sexual health is vital to supporting youth and encouraging safer, healthier choices for adults who attend St. Joseph Institute’s residential addiction treatment program in Port Matilda, PA.
Substance Abuse and Sexual Risk
Research shows that people who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) often also suffer from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and have a greater chance of spreading STIs to others. Whether through blood-borne exposure, unprotected sex, or sex with multiple partners, SUD seems to put people at higher risk for compromising their sexual health.
Young people may be the most vulnerable group when it comes to consuming alcohol and drugs that later put them at sexual risk, but adults who abuse substances are also at a disadvantage. Overall: the more substances used and the more SUD is present, the greater sexual health risks become.
For teenagers who frequently use or abuse alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs, the following sexual health risks become more likely:
- Having sex or performing sexual acts in general
- Having multiple sexual partners, which can increase the risk of STIs
- Deciding against using protection during sex
- Experiencing pregnancy before age 15
For adults who have borderline personality (BP) disorder or gay adult men, substance abuse also seems to worsen sexual health risks at higher rates. The healthcare world sees more STIs in general with BP patients and more HIV cases in gay men.
Why Are Teens at Risk for Substance Abuse and Risky Sexual Behavior?
Certain risk factors place young people in danger of jeopardizing their sexual health with substance use. Living in poverty or an unstable home environment, for example, can push a young adult to use substances and engage in risky sex. Other times, a parent may struggle with alcoholism and encourage drinking or downplay its severity.
Some parents who struggle with drugs might also be absent or generate family conflict, potentially creating stress and emotional upset in the teenager who later turns to drugs or sex to escape. Some other environmental and family dynamics that could encourage sexual risk include:
- Having parents who are unengaged in their teenager’s academic, social, or spiritual life—or are negatively or overly engaged
- Having friends or dating partners who use substances
- Feeling out of place or disconnected at school
Making a Difference with a Prevention Mindset
St. Joseph Institute is here to intervene and teach prevention strategies that could allow people to adopt sexual behaviors that keep them safe—as well as support sobriety and healthier relationships with substances.
From an evidence-based perspective, we know that prevention works best when it addresses the whole picture—individuals, families, schools, and communities. We’re always here to accept new residents or welcome participants to our intensive outpatient program in Wexford.
Here are some strategies to reduce risk that parents and families can work on:
- Encourage and start open communication about drugs, alcohol, and sexual health.
- Set clear expectations about behavior and consequences.
- Be actively involved in your teenager’s life—attend school events, know their friends, and stay informed about their day-to-day activities and behaviors.
Here are some tips for educators and community leaders:
- Create supportive and inclusive environments where students feel valued and connected.
- Offer evidence-based education on substance abuse and sexual health.
- Provide access to counselors and resources for students who may be struggling.
- Address systemic challenges like poverty and lack of access to healthcare.
- Build mentorship programs that connect youth with positive role models.
- Promote youth-centered activities that encourage healthy decision-making.
Get Help for Substance Abuse in Pennsylvania
Substance abuse and sexual health may be interconnected, but the story doesn’t have to end in risk and regret. Start the conversation, foster connection, and point the teen or loved one in your life to our St. Joseph addiction treatment options in Wexford or Port Matilda and educational materials for more support.
