Contemporary research: Alcohol, drugs, HIV/AIDS and risk taking

Abstract

This paper provides a concise overview of evidence on the possible link between high risk sexual behaviour and the use of alcohol and non-injected drugs. Psychoactive drug use and sexual activity may be connected for a variety of social, psychological and pharmacological reasons. The advent of HIWADS stimulated scientific interest in the possibility that alcohol or other drug-related 'disinhibition' fosters high risk sex. Available evidence has failed to confirm this view. Even so, most studies of heterosexuals suggest that heavier drinkers are also more inclined than other people to engage in various forms of risk taking, such as smoking, illicit drug use and high risk sex. Studies of gay men have produced mixed results in this respect. It is concluded that, in the light of current evidence, health messages should not suggest that either drinking or other forms of non-injected drug use might promote high risk sex. Even so, heavier drinkers and drug users should be high priority targets for information about HIWAIDS and sexual health.