Heavy Drinking and Drug Use Linked to Higher Rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Young Adults

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Date: 3/29/2007
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Heavy Drinking and Drug Use Linked to Higher Rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Young Adults

Heavy drinking is linked to higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases among young adults, according to a new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Combined drug and alcohol use were associated with even higher STD rates.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Substance Use, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2005, showed that 3.1 percent of past month heavy drinkers ages 18 to 25 had an STD in the previous year, compared with 1.4 percent of young adults who did not drink in the past month. Heavy alcohol use involves consuming five or more drinks on the same occasion on five or more days in the past month.

When young adults used both illicit drugs and alcohol in the past month, the rate of reported STDs rose to 3.9 percent. Reported STDs in young adults were lowest for those who did not drink or use drugs during the past month (1.3 percent). Rates of reported STDs for those who used either an illicit drug or alcohol, but not both, were similar at 2.1 percent for both categories.

“Substance abuse and risky sexual behavior are closely connected,” said Terry Cline, PhD, SAMHSA Administrator. “This report puts into sharp focus just one of the many potential lifetime consequences for young adults of heavy drinking and drug use. Unchecked heavy drinking and drug use can lead to serious dependence-related problems, including loss of friends and family, employment, housing, health, and even life. Young adults need to seriously consider the choices they are making and the impact those choices can have on their futures.”

Overall, 0.8 percent of those 12 or older, about 2 million people, reported that they had been told by a doctor or other health professional that they had an STD in the past year. The rate was highest for 18 to 25 year olds (2.1 percent). Among adults, those 35 or older had the lowest rate of reported STDs at 0.5 percent.

Women had higher rates than men in all age groups, with women 18-25 being four times more likely than men in the same age group to have reported an STD. Other research shows that young women are more susceptible to certain STDs than are older women.

While both men’s and women’s STD rates rose with increasing alcohol use, the rate of reported STDs among female heavy drinkers reached 7.3 percent, compared with 1.3 percent of male heavy drinkers. A similar pattern of STD rates among young adults was found when illicit drug use and alcohol were combined. Women who used both alcohol and illicit drugs had a reported STD rate of 7.9 percent; for men who used both the rate was 1.5 percent. Because studies show that women are more likely to be tested for STDs than men, comparing rates of diagnosed STDs may not provide the full picture of the difference in risk by gender.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is an annual survey sponsored by SAMHSA. The survey collects data by administering questionnaires to a representative sample of the population through face-to-face interviews at their residences. STDs mentioned in the survey questions include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis and others. HIV/AIDS was not included.

The NSDUH Report: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Substance Use is available on the Web at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/std/std.cfm. Copies may be obtained free of charge by calling SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request inventory number NSDUH07-0330. For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system.

Page Last Updated: 3/29/2007