Sex

Substance use can affect sexual choices, consent and physical function. Understanding those effects means protecting freedom and health without treating sexual variation as addiction.

Sexual health includes consent, comfort, pleasure and access to care. Alcohol and other drugs can change judgement or physical responses, but a feeling of confidence does not establish safety or mutual agreement. Someone asleep, unconscious or too intoxicated to understand and freely choose cannot consent. If agreement is uncertain, stop. After assault or a possible pregnancy or infection exposure, seek prompt healthcare because some options are time-sensitive; immediate danger or serious injury needs emergency help. Frequent sexual activity or pornography use alone does not establish a disorder.

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