"Best Bets" to Prevent Contracting STDs:
Reduce Related Risky Behaviors

Multiple studies also illustrate an association between substance use and risky sexual behaviors. Alcohol and drug use among adolescents and their friends is related to nonuse of condoms and birth control (Kowaleski-Jones & Mott, 1998; Middleman et al., 1995; Shrier et al., 1996), putting teens at risk of pregnancy and STDs (Boyer et al., 1999; Middleman et al., 1995). Use of alcohol and illicit drugs also is associated with a higher probability of adolescents having had multiple sexual partners (Middleman et al., 1995; Millstein & Moscicki, 1995; National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 1999; Santelli et al., 1998; Shrier et al., 1996; Valois, Oeltmann, Waller, & Hussey, 1999). For male teens, daily cigarette use and frequency of cocaine and alcohol use are linked to a greater likelihood of involvement in a pregnancy (Guagliardo, Huang & D'Angelo, 1999; Pierre et al., 1998; Spingarn & DuRant, 1996).