Risky sex behavior and substance use among young adults

Many young adults, despite widespread prevention and education efforts that target this age group, engage in behaviors that place them at risk of HIV infection. These behaviors include frequent experimentation with alcohol an d other drugs before sex, sexual activity with different partners, and inco nsistent safe-sex practices. The combination of these risky behaviors cause s increased concern about the spread of HIV among this age group. The study discussed in this article examined the relationship between substance use during adolescence and HIV risk behavior among young adults ages 19 to 21 w ith and without a college education. Results indicated that increased use o f alcohol and marijuana at younger ages is related to riskier sexual activi ty and increased use of alcohol and marijuana as young adults. Recommendati ons for interventions are made.