Teens 15 and older who drink are seven times likelier to have sexual intercourse and twice as likely to have it with four or more partners than non-drinking teens. Teens 15 and older who use drugs are five times likelier to have sexual intercourse and three times likelier to have it with four or more partners than those who don't. Researchers from a second study said heavy drinking increases the odds of having sex because alcohol lowers inhibitions and interferes with an individual's ability to make sound decisions based on logic and thought. For parents, the point is that regardless of the sequence, either may be a red flag for the other. Key to reducing a teen's risk of substance use is the power of parents.
Parents have more influence over their children than they think.