Learn more about the link between sexual assault and alcohol consumption & alcohol abuse, and alcohol addiction by reading these articles.
The Influence of Alcohol in Sexual Assault
Lately, there have been many highly profiled stories about sex scandals. Quite a few of these scandals involved incidences of alcohol, or prolonged histories of alcohol abuse. When alcohol and sex are involved, there can be a multitude of consequences. There are some pretty important facts to know about alcohol, sex, and sexual assault.
When alcohol is present, lack of judgment, impairment in decision making (especially if an individual is prone to aggressive behaviors), and lower impulse control can follow, and there can be disastrous consequences. While it has been argued that alcohol doesn’t commit sexual assault and rape – people do, we do know there is a correlation between sexual assault and alcohol. Whether alcohol makes it easier for men who already desire to commit these actions to do so, or it simply perpetuates a spur of the moment action, alcohol is still a factor that is present in many sexual assault cases. When drinking, both men and women want to be aware of what is going on around them, and limit the intake of alcohol to what is acceptable for their body type, height, and weight to lessen any propensity for alcohol-related sexual assault.
Drinking & Substance Abuse as Coping Mechanisms
After sexual assault, rape, or any unwanted sexual encounter, an individual can experience a myriad of emotions. They range from shock, denial, anxiety, anger, confusion, helplessness, guilt, shame, fear, sadness and many more. After the initial shock and immediate feelings, individuals will still carry around the trauma of what has occurred. Therefore, it is important that the survivor address the ordeal and receive proper healing and support. Without proper help, and individual can spiral into unhealthy behaviors like drinking to manage their thinking and emotions. Alcohol and substance abuse are popular ways to deal with life-altering experiences but relying on alcohol or drugs to cope can be prevented.
