Alcohol and drug use – by both girls and guys – can increase the risk of sexual assault:
When you have been drinking or taking drugs, you are not as able to recognize a potentially dangerous situation, or to react against unwanted sexual activity.

Consent must be given for any sexual activity. If you are too drunk or stoned, it may be difficult or impossible for you to know what you’re doing and to give your consent. If someone is too drunk or stoned, you can’t be as sure he will understand your consent or when you say no to sexual activity.

Some males use drinking and drugs as an excuse to behave aggressively and come on to girls and women in unwelcome ways.

Girls and young women often blame themselves for a sexual assault that happens to them after having drinks or drugs. They may feel embarrassed or angry at themselves for many reasons:

• Because they were too drunk or stoned to recognize a dangerous situation or react against the sexual assault.
• Because they can’t remember how they behaved and assume they somehow gave their consent.
• Because they were consuming the drinks or drugs illegally or against their parents’ permission.

But remember:

• Alcohol and drug use are never the cause of sexual assault.
• You are never to blame for any sexual assault that happens after you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs.
• No matter how many drinks or drugs they consume, aggressors are always responsible for their actions. Alcohol and drug use never excuses someone who commits sexual assault.