alcohol, drugs and sex. Sound like fun? Well, they can be, and often are. But they can also carry risks, especially when they’re mixed together. Drink and drugs both go hand in hand with socializing. People usually do these things at parties, hanging out with friends, at bars or at clubs. Why? Because drink and drugs can make you feel more relaxed, confident, and less inhibited. When you're feeling this way in a social situation, it’s more likely that you’ll meet someone you like and want to hook up with – maybe even have sex with. The trouble is, that person may be someone that you wouldn’t have gone near if you’d been sober. Even worse, you might be so drunk or high that you forget (or simply don’t bother) to use a condom, which could lead to unwanted pregnancy, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) being passed on. “We had sex at New Year, which was very blurred as we were both extremely drunk... I do remember that we didn't use anything and I was not on the birth control pill.” - 17 year-old girl “I got really drunk a couple of weeks ago and ended up having unprotected sex… it is the first time I had sex and I am really worried.” - 17 year-old boy 1 Do alcohol and drugs make sex better? feetS of young people Young people drinking alcohol at a party A lot of people seem to think this, but in many cases it’s not actually true. Drink and drugs might make you feel less nervous about sex – but then if you need these things to feel comfortable, you’re probably not with the right person, or you may not be ready to start having sex yet. "My boyfriend wants me to do sex things with him but the only way I can manage is when I get drunk because otherwise I am too scared or embarrassed.” - 16 year-old girl 2 What’s more, sexual performance can actually diminish after a night out. Alcohol is an anaesthetic. It numbs the genitals' nerve cells, making it more difficult to reach orgasm. Alcohol can also make it harder for boys to achieve an erection. Drugs can have a similar effect.