{"id":51439,"date":"2019-11-12T15:41:30","date_gmt":"2019-11-12T15:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ascert.biz\/?page_id=51439"},"modified":"2023-11-30T09:51:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T08:51:09","slug":"alcohol-and-sexual-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/alcohol-and-sexual-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Alcohol and Sexual Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.14)” background_image=”https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ep_naturalwhite.png” background_size=”initial” background_repeat=”repeat” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”25px||25px||false|false”][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#292966″ header_line_height=”30px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_font_size=”42px” header_2_line_height=”26px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” header_2_line_height_tablet=”” header_2_line_height_phone=”42px” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n

RESOURCE HUB:<\/h1>\n

Alcohol & Sexual Health<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.24″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px||17px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/charles-deluvio-aNHBgtjoUDE-unsplash-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.4.1″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.29.3″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#292966″ header_font_size=”53px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

Alcohol and Sexual Health<\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Alcohol consumption can reduce inhibition and impair judgement. This increases the likelihood of sexual risk taking, which in turn increases the risk
of sexual assault, catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and\/or becoming pregnant.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_color=”#292966″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” module_alignment=”left”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ width=”74%” max_width=”2560px” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”755px” custom_margin=”|auto||417px||”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.29.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” min_height=”697px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|||9px|false|false”]<\/p>\n

Alcohol affects your coordination and judgement. Initially, it makes the user feel more relaxed and this can lead to the reduction of inhibitions (which means you \u2018let go\u2019 and do things you wouldn’t normally do if you were sober). As more alcohol is taken the user becomes more uncoordinated and less in control, which increases the risk that you may forget to take precautions or be persuaded not to use a condom. You may end up having sex with someone when you would not have done so if sober.<\/p>\n

As alcohol can make a person less able to control their behaviour or judgement, in some cases this could even result in sexual assault.\u00a0Sex is all about choices, and consent. If you really don’t want to do something, don’t be scared to say no. A decent, caring partner will understand and respect your decision and if anyone tries to pressurise you or force you into doing something you don’t want to do, think hard about whether you want to continue the relationship.<\/p>\n

Nobody has the right to do anything sexual to you without your consent. Excessive alcohol intake can result in unsafe situations. It\u2019s easy to forget about safe sex or even general personal safety if your judgement is seriously impaired. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol acts as an anaesthetic and results in numbing of the genitals nerve cells and reduced sensitivity. This can make it harder to maintain an erection and reach orgasm. For women, it can reduce lubrication, make it harder to reach orgasm or reduce the intensity of orgasms.\u00a0 Over time heavy drinking could lead to impotence, shrinking of the genitals and a reduced sperm count. If you have ever heard about \u2018Date Rape\u2019 drugs Alcohol has to be at the top of that list.<\/p>\n

Women who drink over the UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) low-risk drinking guidelines of 14 units a week can take longer to become pregnant and can suffer from menstrual and fertility problems. The low-risk guideline is the same for men and women.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/sergio-alves-santos-OxKFC5u0980-unsplash.jpg” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”#f39546″ custom_padding=”||||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Bitmap2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”|220px||||”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff”]<\/p>\n

Here are some ways you can keep yourself safe\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. If you are finding that you are engaging in risky sexual behaviour, consider drinking less when you are out. <\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Ask someone you trust to keep an eye out for you when you are out together, so you don’t get into tricky situations.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Be in a safe frame of mind. Don’t go out with an expectation that you will be having sex.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Make sure you carry condoms so you have them to hand just in case you do have sex.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Keep an eye on your drink when you are out.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. \u00a0If you use the contraceptive pill,\u00a0 take it before you start drinking, so if you are sick it will still work.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. If you are trying to conceive, try cutting down your units gradually. Start off by reducing your drinking each day, and then try having a few\u00a0alcohol-free days\u00a0a week.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Ask your partner to help you by cutting down their drinking as well. If you are trying to conceive this is vital, as drinking impairs sperm count and heavy drinking can cause temporary impotence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you need help to stop drinking, or have any concerns or questions about pregnancy and alcohol, contact your GP or midwife or visit: <\/span>www.drugsandalcoholni.info<\/u>\u00a0for information on local services.<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_color=”#0c71c3″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#0c71c3″ background_color_gradient_end=”#f39546″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    Drink Spiking & Date Rape Drugs<\/strong><\/h1>\n

    <\/h2>\n

    <\/h2>\n

    Drink spiking is when alcohol or drugs are placed into someone\u2019s drink without their permission.<\/h2>\n

    A person\u2019s drink can be spiked to make them more vulnerable for a variety of reasons, including theft, sexual assault or as an attempted joke.\u00a0Because there are no official statistics it\u2019s difficult to know the true extent of the crime. Often people don\u2019t report drink spiking because they have no proof, don\u2019t remember details of the night or they feel embarrassed.\u00a0<\/span>It can be a scary experience and it\u2019s important to be able to recognise the signs your drink has been spiked or how to help a friend you suspect has been a victim.<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    What are date rape drugs?<\/h2>\n

    According to the NHS, alcohol is used more commonly than drugs to spike drinks. Shots of alcohol can be added to drinks to make them stronger. This causes someone to get drunk much quicker than expected.\u00a0Rohypnol (or Roofie) and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are the most commonly known \u2018date-rape\u2019 drugs. They can be odourless, colourless and tasteless. They also leave the body within a short amount of time making them hard to detect.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Both drugs can be used to commit physical and sexual assaults as they can sedate or incapacitate a victim, making them more vulnerable to attack.\u00a0Recreational drugs like Ecstasy, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Ketamine and other \u2018party-drugs\u2019 are sometimes used to spike alcoholic drinks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Mixing alcohol and stimulants\u00a0<\/a>is very dangerous and can cause serious problems, ranging from nausea to heart failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    Symptoms of drink spiking<\/h2>\n

    The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what you\u2019ve been spiked with. Your symptoms could include:<\/p>\n

    \u2022 Lowered inhibitions
    \n\u2022 Loss of balance
    \n\u2022 Visual problems
    \n\u2022 Confusion
    \n\u2022 Nausea
    \n\u2022 Vomiting
    \n\u2022 Unconsciousness<\/p>\n

    Dr Sarah Jarvis, Drinkaware medical advisor, says: \u201cThe symptoms will depend on lots of factors such as the substance or mix of substances used (including the dose), your size and weight, and how much alcohol you have already consumed.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cIf your drink has been spiked it\u2019s unlikely that you will see, smell or taste any difference. Most date rape drugs take effect within 15-30 minutes and symptoms usually last for several hours. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, then get help straight away.\u201d [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    How to help a friend<\/h2>\n

    If your friend is showing any of the signs described above there are few things you can do to help:<\/p>\n

    \u2022 Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff
    \n\u2022 Stay with them and keep talking to them
    \n\u2022 Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re on your own, call someone you trust or dial 999 if you need urgent help. If you suspect drink spiking, ask to be taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency department.<\/p>\n

    Tell the medical staff you think you\u2019ve been spiked. Urine and blood tests carried out in the first 24-72 hours are most likely to detect traces of date rape drugs. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    What to do if you\u2019ve been assaulted<\/h2>\n

    One of the effects of date rape drugs can be amnesia, or loss of memory. That means it\u2019s possible that you won\u2019t be sure if you\u2019ve been assaulted. But it\u2019s important that if you suspect you\u2019ve been physically or sexually assaulted you should tell someone. Try to confide in someone you trust like a friend or family member.<\/p>\n

    You can go to the police, local GP surgery or hospital. If you don\u2019t feel able to do that right away you can call the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre on 0808 802 9999 (12 \u2013 2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day).\u00a0Tell the medical staff you think you\u2019ve been spiked. Urine and blood tests carried out in the first 24-72 hours are most likely to detect traces of date rape drugs.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    Punishment for spiking someone\u2019s drink<\/h2>\n

    Spiking someone\u2019s drink carries a maximum 10 year prison sentence. Adding a few extra shots to a friend\u2019s drink may seem like a harmless bit of fun but not only could it ruin a good night out but it could also result in serious criminal charges.\u00a0Assault, rape or robbery carry additional sentences. Sex with someone without gaining the victim\u2019s consent is also a crime.<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]<\/p>\n

    How to avoid drink spiking<\/h2>\n

    Some clubs give out drink stoppers for the top of your bottle to prevent someone dropping something in your drink. There are also testing kits with strips that detect certain drugs.\u00a0Don\u2019t forget that these won\u2019t detect extra alcohol in your drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Drink spiking can happen in any situation. However, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.\u00a0Dr Jarvis advises: \u201cGet into the habit of never leaving your drink unattended and don\u2019t accept a drink from someone you don\u2019t know. Keep an eye on your drink at all times \u2013 don\u2019t go off and dance then come back and drink the rest. Avoid drinking too much alcohol by sticking to the Government\u2019s lower risk guidelines of 14 units a week. This will put you in the best position to be alert to anything suspicious and able to look out for your friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Check out other alcohol information\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

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    RESOURCE HUB: Alcohol & Sexual HealthAlcohol and Sexual Health Overview Alcohol consumption can reduce inhibition and impair judgement. This increases the likelihood of sexual risk taking, which in turn increases the riskof sexual assault, catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and\/or becoming pregnant.\u00a0   Alcohol affects your coordination and judgement. Initially, it makes the user […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4915,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-51439","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4915"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51439"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51439\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}