Four in Ten Boys Admit to Taking Advantage of Someone Drunk to Have Sex

Alcohol and drug consumption among young Spaniards before engaging in sexual activities is a widespread habit that severely affects free and conscious consent between parties, increasing risky practices, episodes of violence, and irresponsible sexuality. These are some of the conclusions revealed by two complementary studies conducted by FAD Juventud, which also highlight the inadequate education of Spanish adolescents and young people regarding sexuality and drugs, despite their belief to the contrary.

The general framework of this research is outlined by two data points. 70% of Spaniards aged 15 to 29 have had sexual relations after drinking or after the other person has (25% do so regularly), and up to 29% have also had sex after consuming (one, the other, or both) drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, or 'popper'. Although half claim to be aware that drugs worsen relationships and increase risks, half also admit to drinking deliberately in search of these intimate encounters.

The study highlights multiple sections on the risks of combining alcohol, drugs, and sex, but perhaps the most concerning are the data linking this cocktail to insecurity, violence, and tricks to obtain adulterated consent. Four in ten boys confessed to interviewers that they had taken advantage of someone, known or unknown, who was intoxicated by alcohol or other substances to have sexual relations with them. This is almost double the rate of girls of the same age (26%), and the percentage is even closer to half among teenagers aged 16 to 19.

This phenomenon aligns perfectly with the majority view, especially among girls, that taking substances makes it difficult to say 'no' or detect an attempt at abuse, something confirmed by the fact that more than half of those surveyed indicated that after consuming alcohol or drugs, they felt pressured to have sex or that between 42% and 60% admitted not remembering exactly what happened or how.

This dangerous combination often leads to gender violence. Nearly four in ten, 37%, indicate that during sexual relations under the influence of substances, they suffered some form of abuse, and about three in ten, 29%, admit they were the abusers. This is not counting the more than 60% who regretted having the relationship or felt no pleasure at all.

The second major finding of the research is how the combination of alcohol, drugs, and intimate relationships escalates risky practices. Young people who frequently drink have experienced four times more unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections than their peers, and when they also take other drugs, the problems multiply by six. About 20% of those who consume alcohol have become pregnant or contracted venereal diseases. The same has happened to one in three who take other types of drugs. These are extremely high percentages considering that among abstinent young people, unwanted pregnancies and infections do not exceed 4.5%.

However, risky practices in the sexual relationships of young Spaniards are closely linked to their inadequate information about sexual health and a significant dose of irresponsibility. They are experts at playing Russian roulette. More than half, 51.5%, do not regularly use contraceptive methods in their intimate relationships, a percentage that rises significantly among alcohol and drug users. The main reasons are to enhance enjoyment and trust in their sexual partner.

Despite the lack of precautions, three out of four under 30 do not see a danger (or consider it minimal) of contracting a sexual infection. This lack of risk perception and the idea that it won't happen to me contribute to them being the age group with the most cases of gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, infections that have surged in Spain in recent years. Although the data presented demonstrate their significant error, 60% of adolescents and young people see no risk of an unwanted pregnancy, or perceive it as minimal.

Although 90% consider themselves to have sufficient information about sexuality and 72% about drugs, the truth is that more than half admit not having received quality education in both fields from family or school, and clarify that what they know they have learned on their own, mainly from what their friends tell them and what they find out through the internet and social networks.