As youth begin to use alcohol at younger ages, and as youth begin to have sex at younger ages, the risk for unplanned pregnancies, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases and sexual violence increases. Alcohol and other drug use is linked to risky sexual behavior and poses significant threats to the health of adolescents. Sexual activity among adolescents is often unplanned and often occurs after drinking or drug use. As youth begin to use alcohol at younger ages, and as youth begin to have sex at younger ages, the risk for unplanned pregnancies, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases and sexual violence increases. Alcohol isn't the only substance that places young people at greater risk of sexual intercourse.
Tobacco also increases the risk to young people.
In studies of Wisconsin youth, teens who reported smoking cigarettes just once a month were over 3 times more likely to be sexually active as teens who had never smoked. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX requirements. UW-Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnic background, or economic circumstances.