Alcohol

Alcohol remains the most common substance used in a drug-facilitated sexual assault.

Approximately 63% of urine samples from sexual assault victims were positive for alcohol and 30% for marijuana (Slaughter, 2000).

55% of victims reported that they were at least somewhat drunk at the time of the assault (Harrington, 1994). A higher than average alcohol use may be predictive of rape (Slaughter, 2000).

Unfortunately, substance use increases the risk of future assault, which in turn increases the risk of subsequent substance use (Slaughter, 2000).

Alcohol is consumed frequently in social settings in which sexual activity is possible and often a desired outcome. Alcohol impairs thinking, increases sexual disinhibition, arousal and therefore increases the likelihood of sexual assault.

Alcohol consumption may cause women to miss or ignore cues that suggest that an assault is likely. These women are less likely to resist an assault (Slaughter 2000).