Linda Tucker, one of the main authors of the study and a consultant nurse in sexual health and HIV, said: “The link between sexual risk and drinking too much is not the most original idea in he world but we now have clear scientific evidence of the relation ship. The Government needs to reflect this link both in their sexual health and alcohol strategy - which at present seems not to link alcohol and sexual risk behaviour.
The Guardian also carries the same quote, their piece also says :
Condoms should be given away free in taxis, clubs and pubs to help young people protect themselves against sexual diseases and unwanted pregnancy after a heavy-drinking night out, doctors said yesterday.
The suggestion follows publication of the first major study to look in detail at the sexual risks involved in drinking alcohol, particularly for women. It finds binge drinking is fuelling the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections as well as high rates of unplanned pregnancies and abortions.
To be fair to the government the alcohol strategy did explicitly make the link between alcohol and sexual activity. A quick search of the strategy found the government making the following points:
People who become drunk are much more likely to be involved in an accident or assault, be charged with a criminal offence, contract a sexually transmitted disease and, for women, are more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy. [page 3]
Among 14–15-year-olds, those who have drunk in the last month are more likely to engage in sexual activity. [page 20]
There are strong links between alcohol and sexual violence. Approximately one-third of sexual assaults take place when the victim has consumed alcohol, with perpetrators taking advantage of vulnerability caused by excessive drinking. Many perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse also drink alcohol prior to the incident and/or have drinking problems.
Alcohol abuse is also a common mechanism for coping with the effects of sexual violence and abuse. [page 42/3]
They also point to the Sexual Violence and Abuse Action Plan.
Beyond the alcohol strategy the Department of Health have asked NICE to look at personal, social and health education focusing on sexual health and alcohol, which is indicative of a desire to address the issues using the evidence that is available.
On a more practical note I’d also remind you of the NCB/Drug Education Forum/Sex Education Forum resource Sex, alcohol and other drugs which is available through the NCB. You can download the Spotlight briefing from NCB here.
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Pingback on Dec 21st, 2007 at 1:43 pm
[...] have had a look at the media reports that we covered here about the link between alcohol and [...]
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20 December, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Tacade was funded by the Department of Health to produce ‘Sex, Drugs & Alcohol’ a resource for use 14 to 19 year olds containing a range of practical activities for use in schools, colleges and informal youth settings. DfES funded the dissemination of the materials which are widely used throughout the UK. They are designed for use with young people of all abilities including those with poor literacy skills.