Does sexual assault cause drug and alcohol problems?
Sometimes people may use drugs and/or alcohol because they think it helps them to ‘cope’ with problems. It’s a short term solution with long term effects and health risks.
Alcohol is a major cause of injury and death among young people. When you’re drunk, you’re more likely to put yourself in risky situations. Health risks include damage to your brain and liver, cancer of the mouth, throat or oesophagus.
Sexual assault does not cause drug and/or alcohol abuse, but some victims use drugs and/or alcohol to try and block out the pain and trauma of the abuse. It works while they’re wasted (drunk or affected by drugs) but the issues remain undealt with and some people quickly become addicted.
Generally speaking, sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated or afraid.
For more informationFor more information about this or to contact the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault go to the SECASA website. |
