Substance abuse influencing sexual behavior and sexual health among youth

Abstract

Substance use among youth is on the rise, and it isassociated with risky sexual behavior making them moresusceptible to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) andunwanted pregnancies. Substance use usually starts duringadolescence due to various factors like peer pressure,history of substance use in the family, role modeling from media,etc. Due to their psychopharmacological effects, varioussubstances interfere with sexual arousal, its functioning, orpleasure. In most cases of sexual abuse, it is seen that eitherthe victim or the perpetrator is under the influence of asubstance. Thus, extensive knowledge about therelationship between substance use and risky sexualbehavior will enable healthcare providers to deliver betterservices.