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Alcohol and
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Introduction

Alcohol use is one of the most common forms of drug use in the United States.

It’s estimated that of all people aged 18-75+ roughly 50% of them drink. The percentage

does go down with an increase in age. Even though drinking under the age of twenty one

is currently illegal the 18-24 age group shows a 62% drinking rate (CDC, 2008). The 25-

44 age group may have a higher rate of drinking, at 71%, but the 18-24 age group will

consume more alcohol during a given sitting then will the older groups (CDC, 2008). The

center for disease control shows a steady rise in the amount of alcohol use before sexual

intercourse among teens. There has also been somewhat of a decrease in regard to

children being taught about sexually transmitted diseases in the schools. With all this said

it is easy to see how drinking can turn into an unsafe night with someone.

Ethanol, more commonly called alcohol, is the substance in beer, wine, and other

drinks that intoxicates the consumer. Ethanol can affect every organ and system in your

body because it travels rather quickly through the blood stream. Ethanol is a depressant

that can slow heart rate, slow breathing and decrease inhibitions. This decrease in

inhibition can often lead to an increase risky behavior.

Sexual behaviors in college aged people vary greatly with religion,

socioeconomic status and gender. One determining factor to engaging in sexual

intercourse tends to be the use of drugs. A drug is anything that alters the physiology of

your cells. Alcohol alters the physiology of your cells in the way that they become

dilated, allowing for greater amount of alcohol to be absorbed from the stomach into the

blood stream. One the alcohol gets in the red blood cells the red blood cells now become

depressant messengers to the central nervous system. This is why alcohol is considered a
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drug and greatly affects the prevalence of sexual intercourse, including unprotected

sexual intercourse.
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Research Question

Among people aged 18-24, does consuming alcoholic beverages have an effect on

responsible sexual behavior choices?

Significance of the Problem

This study is extremely important to any person aged 18-24 who plans to drink

but hopes to remain safe in their sexual adventures. Every day unsuspecting girls become

impregnated because of a drunken night’s sexual intercourse. Every day people become

infected with diseases because of unprotected sex. This unprotected sex can sometimes

happen because a person’s inhibition has been lowered. A major way that ones

inhibitions are lowered is for them to become intoxicated. Intoxication plays a major roll

in unprotected sexual activity. People of this age group still have the feeling of

invincibility; they feel as though nothing bad can happen to them no matter what

dangerous activities they take part in. This study will show that when people drink and

engage in sexual acts the activities they participate in are usually regrettable or they are

not safe while doing them.

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Literature Review

Alcohol use, partner type, and risky sexual behavior among college students

In this study Brown and Vanable used a cross sectional observational design. It

was a retrospective observational study because the 547 participants were looking back

on past experiences and giving an answer on a given day (2007). In accordance with the

Hierarchy of Evidence the design used in the study was a medium to low level design.

This study could be improved by using cohort observations enabling the researcher to

observe the same group of people over a longer period of time. Unfortunately clinical

trials can not be done for this study due to the fact that forcing drinking and sexual

behaviors is immoral and unethical. The participants in the study were not selected

randomly but they were selected because of convenience. They were all a part of an

introduction to psychology class that focused on the health behaviors of college students.

The participants filled out a questionnaire that lasted roughly 45 minutes; the surveys

were completely confidential. The group that participated was a mix of males and

females with different ethnicities. The age requirement for this study was a minimum of

18 years and most participants were around that age marker (Brown and Vanable, 2007).

The participants in this group were similar in the fact that they were all college

students, roughly the same age, and all taking a common class. A majority of them were

19, female and Caucasian. It was necessary to have a comparable age for the participants

because of the fact that the researchers were looking at college students and risky

behaviors. If certain participants were of a much higher age the results may appear

skewed or not how they were predicted to look.

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The main results for this study were that 39% of the time unprotected sexual

intercourse occurred between two partners and of those who were engaged in unprotected

sexual intercourse 32% had consumed alcohol before hand (Brown and Vanable, 2007).

In the discussion section of the study it is pointed out that “findings point to high rates of

alcohol use and unprotected sex among college students” (Hingson et al., 2002). It is

reported by this particular study that those who didn’t use a condom and used alcohol

prior to sex consumed five drinks or more. It was also broken down that even though

alcohol and unprotected sex were occurring together there wasn’t a significant enough

rate to say that alcohol was a cause for unprotected sexual intercourse just a co-

conspirator. Also shown is that people with partners tend to use condoms less frequently

because of the familiarity of their partner and other forms of birth control. Although,

expectancies for sexual relations due to the use of alcohol, were higher (Brown and

Vanable, 2007). The facts involved in this study such, as the effects of alcohol and

common alcohol use among people 18-24 may be correct but the results still may be

partially inaccurate. They could be inaccurate because the study was based on surveys.

These surveys basically stood as reports done on someone by ones self. There is no

telling whether the participants were completely honest because of the lower comfort

level of surveys like these.

Effects of Alcohol, Expectancies, and Partner type on Condom Use in College Males

In this study the researchers used a cross sectional observational study. On top of

that they also had the participants interviewed by a psychologist after they completed

their survey. It was a retrospective survey that included 93 heterosexual males who had
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been involved in drinking more than twice a week and had had more than two sexual

partners in the last month (LaBrie et al., 2005). This, again, was a low to medium level

study according to the Hierarchy of Evidence. It is of a greater level because of the fact

that there was a follow up interview with the participants. The follow up interview

allowed for the researchers to get a more honest answer from the participants by

analyzing their answers next to one another. The interview was a good improvement idea

on a cross sectional study. The participants in this study were selected randomly through

fliers, advertisements and in-class announcements. More than 300 males responded and

they were filtered out by the criterion previously stated. The average age of the

participants was 20 ½ years with 69% of them being Caucasian (LaBrie et al., 2005).

The participants in this group were very similar. They were all roughly the same

age, same race, same gender and they were all of the same sexual orientation. This was

important to the study because it focused on the attitudes and behaviors towards sex and

drinking of a particular group. It may not represent American society fully but it

represents a good portion of college males.

The main results for this study were these 93 participants were involved in over

1,500 sexual events. 14% were with new partners, 171 were with a casual partner (knew

them previously) and 1,160 were with a regular, steady partner. Condoms were used

roughly 50% of the time (LaBrie et al., 2005). The participants seemed to consume more

alcohol when they were with a partner they did not know but they also used condoms

more frequently with that unfamiliar partner. When it came to casual partners alcohol was

used a majority of the time while condom use greatly decreased. Researchers have come

to the conclusion that after only a few sexual encounters there is a false sense of security
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between two partners (LaBrie et al., 2005). With the previous fact stated and the addition

of alcohol releasing inhibitions it is no wonder condom use declines between casual

partners. “These data support the idea that alcohol consumption decreases safer sex, but

only in specific situations, thus providing partial support for the transmission hypothesis

(that individuals transmit HIV and other STDs by having unprotected sex while

intoxicated). Although alcohol clearly decreases condom use, certain situations may

override the effect, including sex with a new partner. Encouraging men to treat casual

partners as new partners may promote safer-sex behaviors. If participants are capable of

using a condom after drinking with a new partner, the same skills should apply with a

casual partner” (LaBrie et al., 2005 p264).

Unplanned Sexual Activity as a Consequence of Alcohol Use: A Prospective Study of Risk

Perceptions and Alcohol Use Among College Freshmen

In Klein, Geaghan and MacDonald’s study they used a short term cohort study.

There were a set of two surveys for this study and it was a prospective study. This first

survey was sent out to students mid way through the college year and they had to report

on their drinking during the first semester and if they thought they were at risk for

engaging in unplanned sex in the next semester. The second survey was sent out at the

end of the second semester asking students to report their alcohol use during the second

semester and if they had engaged in any unplanned sex since the first survey (Klein et al.,

2007). According to the Hierarchy of Evidence this is the best type of observational study

that can be done because it followed the same group of people over a period of time. It

could have been improved if it would have been better over two or more years to give a

better idea of drinking trends among these students. The 900 undergraduate students who
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received the surveys were randomly chosen from a computer database. The first survey

yielded 740 responses while the second only 595; a 10% drop. Of those who responded

499 responded to both surveys. 380 of those 499 had useable data to test the question at

hand. 65% of the participants were female with an average age of just over 18 (Klein et

al., 2007).

Many of the participants in this study were similar. As previously stated 65% of

the participants were female and because they are all undergraduate students they were

all roughly around the same age. They also were people who were all involved in social

drinking and sexual activities.

The main results for this study came out to be what the researchers expected. The

students who reported higher risk of unplanned sexual activity also consumed the most

alcohol. Those who thought they weren’t at risk or at low risk for unplanned sexual

activity ended up having unplanned sex during the second semester and showed and

major increase in consuming alcohol by the time they took the second survey (Klein et

al., 2007).

Some of these students might see unplanned sex as more appealing and thus not

care that they are involved in risky behaviors. It also may excite them to the point that

they engage in more alcohol use in the hopes on engaging in sexual activity. This did not

turn out to be a factor in the correlation the study found (Klein et al., 2007)

This study may not show the use, or lack there of, of condoms during sex after

consuming alcohol but it does lay the ground work. If students are going to drink and

engage in unplanned sex they are more likely to not be prepared for that sexual activity or

just not care about what happens.

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References (See Appendix C for sources)

Brown, J. L. and Vanable, P. A. (2007). Alcohol use, partner type, and risky sexual

behavior among college students: Findings from an event- level study. Addictive

Behavior,. Vol. 32 Issue 12, p2940-2952.

Hingson, R. W., Heeran, T., Zakocs, R. C., Kopstein, A., & Wechsler, H. (2002).

Magnitude of alcohol related mortality and morbidity among U.S. college

students ages 18-24. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63, 136-144.

Klein, W., Geaghan, T., MacDonald, T. (2007). Unplanned sexual activity as a

consequence of alcohol use: A prospective study of risk perceptions and alcohol

use among college freshman. Journal of American College Health, Vol 56 Issue

3, p317-323.

LaBrie, J., Earleywine, M., Schiffman, J., Pedersen, E. and Marriot, C. (2005). Effects of

Alcohol, Expectancies, and Partner type on Condom Use in College Males:

Event-Level Analyses. Journal of Sex Research, Vol. 42 Issue 3, p259-266.

CDC. (2005) Alcohol Consumption among adults 18 years and older. Retrieved June 3,

2008, from www.cdc.gov

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Methods

Subjects

For this research the researcher will survey 30 people aged 18-24. Participation in

this study will be completely voluntary and all information will be confidential. The only

criterion to participate in this study is to be of the aforementioned age group. Participants

could be of any gender, race, sexual orientation or religious background.

Data Collection

The researcher will collect data by surveying students of Rowan University and

other people aged 18-24 that do not attend college. The survey will be designed to enable

participants to give honest answers on their drinking practices and sexual behaviors. The

researcher will have to add intimate questions and encourage the most honest answer

from the participants. (See Appendix A for copy of survey)

A pilot survey was given out to four participants. Some changes had to be made in

the way of specific directions for questions. Most questions were easily answered by the

test group and all were honestly answered. The direction that had to be changed was for

question nine as the participants didn’t seem to notice the “please pick one” side note.

Also, question eight had some confusing wording that had to be changed. The responses

from the test survey answered the research question in a way that the researcher thought

they would. By making these small changes the researcher will be able to get more

accurate answers from the participants.

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Timeline

This survey will be given out to 30 participants over a two day time period in the

month of June. Surveys will be handed out on the Rowan University campus and also in

the researchers hometown to non college going people aged 18-24. When the surveys are

collected the researcher will record the data and evaluate the findings.
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Results

Figure 1: Age of Participants

Age of Participants

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
18-19 20-21 22-23 24
Age Groups

This figure illustrates the age range of the group that was surveyed. The majority

of the participants (40%) were aged 22-23. The minority age (10%) that was surveyed

was 24 with only three participants at that age. 20-21 year olds came in at 30% and 18-19

year olds comprised 20% of the studies population.

Figure 2: Gender Ratio

Men vs Women
16
16
15.5
15
14.5
14
14
13.5
13
Men Women

Figure two shows the amount of men who took this survey and the amount of

women who took this survey. There was a pretty good balance in gender with the thirty
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participants that took place in this survey. The men represented 53% of the surveys

population while the women represented 47% of the population.

Figure 3: Who you go out with

Who participants go out with

15
15
11
10 Same sex
Mixed group
5 4 Alone
Significant Other
0
0
Groups

Figure three shows a majority of the participants in this study going out with a

mixed group of friends. The mixed group, at 50% or the total, was closely followed by

going out with a significant other at 37%. Only 13% of the participants go out with a

group of friends of the same sex and no one went out alone.

Figure 4: Drink Consumption on a night out

# of Drinks on a night out
12
12
10
10
8
6
6
4
2
2
0
0 1 to 3 4 to 5 6+

On an average night out figure four shows that 40% of the participants will

consume six or more alcoholic drinks. 20% will have four or five drinks, 34% will have

one to three drinks and only 6% will consume no alcohol.

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Figure 5: Memory after Alcohol

Memory after Drinking

30%

Yes
No

70%

Figure five represents the percentage of participants who always remember what

happened after a night out and consuming alcohol. While 70% reported always

remembering what happened that night 30% have not been able to remember what

happened on one or more occasions.

Figure 6: Rate of Significant others

Involved vs Single

20
17
15
13
Involved
10
Single
5

Figure six shows the rate of participants who were involved in a relationship at

the time of the study versus the amount of participants who were single at the time of the
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study. 57% of the participants were involved in a relationship while 43% were single. Not

shown is that all but one of these participants have had sexual intercourse at some point

in their lives.

Figure 7: Alcohols effect on mood

Alcoholic Moods

10%

Silly
27% Mean
56% Flirtatious
Upset
7%

As figure seven shows alcohol had different effects on each participant’s mood.

While an overwhelming 56% of participants reported acting silly while drinking alcohol

27% said they are flirts, 10% said they get upset, and 7% said they become mean.

Figure 8: Sexual Safety during Sobriety

Sexual Safety while Sober

20
16
15 Always
Usually
10 8 Sometimes
Rarely
5 3 Never
2
1
0

Figure eight represents the rate at which participants use protection when they

have not been drinking prior to the sexual intercourse. 53% of the participants said they
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always use protection, 26% report usually using protection, 10% report sometimes using

protection, 7% rarely use protection and only one participant (4%) never uses protection.

Figure 9: Sexual Safety while Intoxicated

Sexual Safety while Intoxicated

12
12
10
10
Always
8 Usually
6 Sometimes
4 Rarely
4 3
Never
2 1
0

Figure nine is representing the rate at which the participants use protection when

they have been drinking before sexual intercourse. 33% of the participants reported

always using protection and only 4% (one participant) reported never using protection.

40% of participants usually use protection after drinking, 13% sometimes use protection

and 10% rarely use protection.

Figure 10: Sexual Decisions

Regretable Sexual Desicions

10 9
8 Very Often
6 6 Often
6 5
4 Sometimes
4 Almost Never
2 Never

Figure ten is showing the rate at which the participants reported making

regrettable sexual decisions after a night out drinking. While only 13% report making
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these bad decisions very often 30% report making them often. Both sometimes and never

took up 20% each of the participant group. Almost never making a sexual decision that

was regrettable occurred 17% of the time.

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Discussion

From the research done and the analysis of the surveys the researcher can now

have a scientific base for an answer to the initial question posed. The question at hand is

does consuming alcoholic beverages have an effect on responsible sexual behavior

choices?

After handing out the surveys and analyzing the answers the first conclusion that

can be made is people aged 18-24 tend to either consume a very large amount of alcohol

or stick to just one or two drinks. This can be correlated with the fact that most of the

studies participants were in their first two years of being legally able to drink. People who

have just turned 21 or somewhere around that age are possibly more likely to consume

more alcohol then a person of an older, more responsible age.

The main point of this research was to try and understand the relationship

between alcohol and sexual safety. It was shown that 53% of the participants were safe

100% of the time when they had consumed no alcohol prior to sexual intercourse. That

number then dropped significantly to only 33% of the participants being safe 100% of the

time when they had consumed alcohol before sexual intercourse. This shows a significant

positive correlation between drinking and not always being safe.

Although drinking and not always being safe is the main point of this research

something else must be noted about the involvement of the participants at the time of the

survey. 57% of the participants were involved in a monogamous relationship at the time

of the survey. This may play a role in why protection use was low not only while

drinking but even while sober. Having a familiarity with a partner can give a sense of

security with that partner and in turn make the participant not feel protection is necessary.
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One participant was actually married and no longer uses protection. This is one example

of how familiarity and length of relationship will have an impact on the percentage of

times that couple uses protection.

The amount of drinks each participant consumed on a night out also had a small

correlation as to the rate of protection use. Of the 40% of participants who consumed six

or more drinks in a night 33% of them were less likely to use protection after they had

drank. This is significant to the researcher because those 33% who didn’t use protection

as much after drinking used protection more often while they were sober.

After this survey was analyzed the researcher cannot definitively say that alcohol is the

direct cause of less frequent protection use. They can, however, say alcohol consumption

and not using protection has a very strong correlation. The relationship factor has

something to do with the use of protection as well. All in all, not one specific factor will

cause decreased protection use but a combination of certain criteria will.