Risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use, and teen sexual activity are not isolated behaviors. Often decisions about these activities occur simultaneously. It is difficult to say which comes first, or that one leads to the other, but facts show that for many teens, alcohol and drug use are closely tied to sexual activity and other risk taking. In fact, one study found that teens aged 15 and older who drink are 7 times more likely to have sexual intercourse. »3

This connection is not a surprise for many teens. A recent study shows that the vast majority of young people see a connection between substance use and sexual activity. Over 80% of teens ages 15 to 17 said that their peers drink or use drugs before having sex, either sometimes or a lot. »4

The same study found that over a third of teens and young adults say that alcohol or drug use has influenced their decisions about sex, and almost 30% have done more sexually than they planned, as a result of drinking or drugs. It has even been estimated that teen girls who binge drink are as much as 63% more likely to become teen moms. »5 For more information on drinking and sexual behavior, visit The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at http://camy.org/factsheets/index.php?FactsheetID=6.

Substance use and addiction are serious conditions that affect a number of youth. Teens can quickly fall into a pattern of addiction with tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Often, one type of behavior (for example: smoking cigarettes) will act as a gateway activity into other, more dangerous types of substance use. Over 20% of high school students say that they smoked a cigarette before age 13. »6 Even if you or another family member habitually smokes, you can still talk to your child about staying clear of tobacco. For information on tobacco, addiction and the tobacco industry, check out www.thetruth.com. For tips on how to keep your child tobacco-free visit www.philipmorrisusa.com/ysp.

What does this mean? Studies show that risky behaviors, for whatever reason, seem to go hand in hand. If your child is engaged in some types of unhealthy behaviors, he or she may be at risk for others. Talk with your child about sex, alcohol, substance abuse, gangs, and other risk-taking behavior. Encourage your teen to make healthy choices and form positive friendships.

Tips for encouraging a healthy attitude about alcohol and tobacco:

• Explain the boundaries and family rules about alcohol consumption. Help your child see the distinction between responsible adult consumption, and illegal, often dangerous, underage consumption.
• Try to model the behavior that you would like to see in your child. Even if your own habits, or past behaviors, are different from your expectations for your child, it is important to communicate your wishes, rules, and standards for your child.
• Keep all alcohol and tobacco products in a place that is considered off-limits for your child. Periodically check your supply, especially if you suspect that your child may be involved in drinking or smoking.
• Monitor your child’s activities. Do not hesitate to double check teen plans with the other parents involved.
• If your child is, or has been, affected by someone else’s problem drinking, look into Alateen. http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/alateen.html
• Be aware of resources to help your child if he or she shows signs of use or addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous is open to people of any age www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/ but there may also be a group specially designed for young people in your area.

»3 “Dangerous Liaisons: Substance Abuse and Sex” CASA study, December 1999
»4“Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior” Kaiser Family Foundation Survey, February 2002
»5 T.S. Dee, “The Effects of Minimum Legal Drinking Ages on Teen Childbearing,” The Journal of Human Resources 36, no. 4 (2001): 824-838.
»6 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, CDC 2002