Tags: Did you know that substance use can increase risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? Let’s talk about it!
While alcohol and other drugs do not cause STIs, substance use is linked with an increase in behaviors that can put people at risk of contracting an STI:
• People under the influence may be less likely to use condoms or practice safer sex.
• Some STIs can be directly transmitted through substance use (such as through shared injection equipment).
• Substance use can contribute to higher-risk sexual behaviors and encounters.
Many STIs do not present with symptoms, meaning that someone can be unaware that they have an STI and pass the infection on to someone else. This is why testing and prevention are key!
At Face to Face, we offer free HIV, Hep C, and Syphilis Testing, as well as free supplies for STI prevention such as condoms and lube, and safer use supplies.