Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Behavior

Paper Summary:

This paper studies current research on the impact of drinking alcohol on one's decision to engage in risky sexual behavior. The paper's extensive literature review indicates that despite the social stigma that may be associated with certain drinking and sexual behavior activities, there remains strong social and peer pressure to participate in both activities. The paper also demonstrates how the linkage between consumption of alcohol and sexual activity begins at relatively young ages in American and western culture. The author of this paper attempts to clarify statistics regarding drinking and sexual behavior, as well as recommendations regarding the connection. Specifically, high-risk sexual behavior among various age and social groups is addressed, such as sexual rebellion and conformity, compulsive or uneducated choices, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual assault.

From the Paper:

"The University of Arkansas for Medical Studies has found that attitudes about appropriate sexual behavior, as well as those regarding appropriate alcohol consumption, are formed in youth at a very young age, and by the preteen years children have already developed a unique attitude regarding these subjects. A Thomson Healthcare Company (2004) report reveals that risky behavior may be minimized in adolescents and young adults if parents were to discuss standards and beliefs on sexual and other issues with children at a younger age, because relating these values to older children is not as effective. Alcohol use has been shown to lead to early initiation of sexual activity, as well as being related to the number of sexual partners that preteens and adolescents will have, particularly in high-risk groups. These high-risk youth groups include inner-city females, males in detention homes, and gay and bisexual males. Alcohol is not the only substance that is prevalent in these high-risk groups; marijuana is also associated with altered sexual statistics. Intervention treatment for youths to help curb consumption of alcohol may also help delay sexual activity, or decrease the number of sexual partners and overall risk associated with sexual activity, are encouraged as early as 9 to 12 years of age."

More papers on Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Behavior:

• Essay # 25210 : "Sexual Behaviour and Alcohol"
• Term Paper # 122186 : "Alcohol Myopia Theory"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 130249 : "Alcohol Consumption and Alcoholic Steatohepatitis"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: