High Risk Sexual Behavior Can Also be Determined by Substance Abuse Diagnostic Test November 13
Risk taking sexual behavior has long been connected to substance abuse but few doctors test for either if these high risk behaviors. CRAFFT, a diagnostic test developed for use at Children’s Hospital Boston allows physicians to test for substance abuse in only a few minutes time. This same test, according to new research may also be able to test that child for high risk sexual behavior. Children who were more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol were tested as being much more likely to fall into risky sexual behavior as well. These teens were much more likely to have sex with multiple partners, have unprotected sex and catch STDs from their partners. 305 adolescents ages 12-18 from 3 different urban clinics were tested to get the results. The CRAFFT test was used alongside a self administered test about risky sexual behavior to reach the results.
When the CRAFFT results were compared to the questionnaire roughly 42.6% of those tested positive reported having had unprotected sex. 26.1% of those said that it occurred after drinking, 15.6% said it occurred after using drugs, and 21.7% had done so with a partner who had been drunk. The CRAFFT asks questions pertaining to drug use in specific situations. Those who answer ‘yes’ to more than two of these questions are generally dealing with substance abuse problems and are much more likely to have sexually risky behaviors as well. Having this testing available to the family’s regular doctor means that these behaviors can be caught at a point where they can be evaluated and stopped more completely through counseling, education and support about the risks involved.
Tags: CRAFFT, ricky sexual behavior, Substance Abuse, teens, testing
Sex Addiction Therapist Nov 18
Risky sexual behaviour at a young age can also sometimes lead to sex addiction which like drug addiction can be damaging to peoples lives and relationships.