Alcohol and drugs can affect your sexual health and wellbeing.
If a person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, their ability to give consent is impaired. It can lower people’s inhibitions and make them more likely to do things that they normally wouldn’t do. This could include having sex when you might otherwise not or, when you do, not using a condom.
For more information and details of support available, access Drugs and Alcohol | NI
Spiking
Spiking is where alcohol or drugs are added to someone’s drink without their knowledge. Alcohol is the most common substance used to spike drinks.
The best way to protect yourself and your friends from being spiked is to be aware of what you consume and never take a drink that you haven’t seen being prepared in front of you. Never leave your drink unattended, even for a moment.
More information on spiking and what to do if you think you have been spiked is available from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.