A variety of resources offer information on substance and alcohol abuse effects and issues. Sources provide information on substance abuse and mental health organizations and Al-Anon and Alateen meetings, substance abuse prevention in young girls, substance abuse statistics and more.
Magnitude of Alcohol-Related Mortality and Morbidity among U.S. College Students Ages 18-24
College Drinking Statistical Papers
Alcohol-related unintentional injury deaths
As explained below, we estimate that in 1998 there were approximately 1,400 unintentional, alcohol-related fatal injuries among college students ages 18-24: approximately 1,100 traffic and 300 nontraffic unintentional, alcoholrelated fatal injuries.
Motor vehicle crash deaths
The NHSDA survey revealed that, in the year prior to the survey, a significantly greater percentage of 18-24 year old college students, compared with same age noncollege respondents, drank five or more drinks on a single occasion in the past month (41.7% vs 36.5%) and drove under the influence of alcohol (26.5% vs 19.8%).
Unintentional nontraffic deaths
In the NHSDA survey, 18-24 year old college students and same age noncollege students were equally likely to experience alcohol-related health problems (1.9% vs 2.0%).
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at NIH has long been recognized as a national leader in research on harmful drinking among college students. NIAAA developed www.CollegeDrinkingPrevention.gov as a one-stop resource for comprehensive research-based information on issues related to alcohol abuse and binge drinking among college students, with online tools for parents, students, administrators and more.
Blood alcohol content is usually expressed as a percentage of ethanol in the blood in units of mass of alcohol per volume of blood or mass of alcohol per mass of blood, depending on the country. For instance, in North America a BAC of 0.1 (0.1% or one tenth of one percent) means that there are 0.10 g of alcohol for every dL of blood.
Supporting Resources
In addition to the Federally-sponsored resources below, CollegeAIM provides information to help you implement many specific strategies. See the listings on the individual-level and environmental-level strategies pages, and click on strategies rated as effective.
Federal Websites and Resources Supporting the Prevention of Underage and High-Risk Drinking by College Students
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
College Drinking: Changing the Culture is a central location for information related to alcohol use by college students. Resources on this site include:
- College Alcohol Policies, by Campus
- Supporting Research
Alcohol Policy Information System provides detailed information on alcohol-related policies in the United States at both state and federal levels. Detailed state-by-state information is available for more than 30 policies.
Safer Campuses and Communities website is based on an NIAAA-funded study that examined a variety of environmental-level strategies that could be implemented on campuses and in their surrounding communities. A free toolkit for implementing the collaborative model is available online.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA’s College-Age and Young Adults page provides the most recent data on substance use among this age group, including patterns of marijuana use, non-medical use of prescription drugs, cocaine, and newer trends like synthetic drugs, e-cigarettes, and hookah use. It also provides other links of interest to educators; dorm supervisors; counselors; clinicians and researchers who work with this age group, as well as students and parents.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
CMHS leads federal efforts to promote the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. - Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
The mission of CSAP is to improve behavioral health through evidence-based prevention approaches. - Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
CSAT promotes community-based substance abuse treatment and recovery services for individuals and families in every community.
Report to Congress on the Prevention and Reduction of Underage Drinking (2013) includes policy summaries and state summaries identifying current legislative other ongoing efforts. This report is compiled by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and is available through www.StopAlcoholAbuse.gov and the SAMHSA Store.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Guide to Community Preventive Services is a resource for evidence-based recommendations from the Community Preventive Services Task Force about what works to improve public health.
U.S. Department of Education
National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments offers training, technical assistance activities, and resources to support assessment, capacity building, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation. Resources on this site include:
- Using a Public Health and Quality Improvement Approach to Address High-Risk Drinking with 32 Colleges and Universities (2014)
- College Alcohol Risk Assessment Guide: Environmental Approaches to Prevention (2009)
- Methods for Assessing College Student Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs(2008)
U.S. Department of Justice
Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center provides federal and non-federal resources, such as:
- College e-kit web section
- Preventing Binge Drinking on College Campuses: A Guide to Best Practices (2012)
- Promising Practices: Campus Alcohol Strategies (includes an Alcohol Task Force Action Planner)
- Party Patrols: Best Practice Guidelines for College Communities (2010)
Blood Alcohol Level Chart
See also: Short-term effects of alcohol and Alcohol equivalence
| Progressive effects of alcohol | ||
|---|---|---|
| BAC (% by vol.) | Behavior | Impairment |
| 0.001–0.029 | Average individual appears normal | Subtle effects that can be detected with special tests |
| 0.030–0.059 | Mild euphoria Relaxation Joyousness Talkativeness Decreased inhibition | Concentration |
| 0.060–0.099 | Blunted feelings Euphoria Disinhibition Extroversion | Reasoning Depth perception Peripheral vision Glare recovery |
| 0.100–0.199 | Over-expression Boisterousness Possibility of nausea and vomiting | Reflexes Reaction time Gross motor control Staggering Slurred speech Temporary erectile dysfunction |
| 0.200–0.299 | Nausea Vomiting Emotional swings Anger or sadness Partial loss of understanding Impaired sensations Decreased libido Possibility of stupor | Severe motor impairment Loss of consciousness Memory blackout |
| 0.300–0.399 | Stupor Central nervous system depression Loss of understanding Lapses in and out of consciousness Low possibility of death | Bladder function Breathing Dysequilibrium Heart rate |
| 0.400–0.500 | Severe central nervous system depression Coma Possibility of death | Breathing Heart rate Positional Alcohol Nystagmus |
| >0.50 | High risk of poisoning High possibility of death | |
| Standard drink chart (U.S.) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Amount (ml) | Amount (fl oz) | Serving size | Alcohol (% by vol.) | Alcohol |
| 80 proof liquor | 44 | 1.5 | One shot | 40 | 0.6 US fl oz (18 ml) |
| Table wine | 148 | 5 | One glass | 12 | 0.6 US fl oz (18 ml) |
| Beer | 355 | 12 | One can/bottle | 5 | 0.6 US fl oz (18 ml) |
| Male Female | Approximate blood alcohol percentage (by vol.) One drink has 0.5 US fl oz (15 ml) alcohol by volume | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drinks | Body weight | ||||||||
| 40 kg | 45 kg | 55 kg | 64 kg | 73 kg | 82 kg | 91 kg | 100 kg | 109 kg | |
| 90 lb | 100 lb | 120 lb | 140 lb | 160 lb | 180 lb | 200 lb | 220 lb | 240 lb | |
| 1 | – 0.05 |
0.04 0.05 |
0.03 0.04 |
0.03 0.03 |
0.02 0.03 |
0.02 0.03 |
0.02 0.02 |
0.02 0.02 |
0.02 0.02 |
| 2 | – 0.10 |
0.08 0.09 |
0.06 0.08 |
0.05 0.07 |
0.05 0.06 |
0.04 0.05 |
0.04 0.05 |
0.03 0.04 |
0.03 0.04 |
| 3 | – 0.15 |
0.11 0.14 |
0.09 0.11 |
0.08 0.10 |
0.07 0.09 |
0.06 0.08 |
0.06 0.07 |
0.05 0.06 |
0.05 0.06 |
| 4 | – 0.20 |
0.15 0.18 |
0.12 0.15 |
0.11 0.13 |
0.09 0.11 |
0.08 0.10 |
0.08 0.09 |
0.07 0.08 |
0.06 0.08 |
| 5 | – 0.25 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.16 0.19 |
0.13 0.16 |
0.12 0.14 |
0.11 0.13 |
0.09 0.11 |
0.09 0.10 |
0.08 0.09 |
| 6 | – 0.30 |
0.23 0.27 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.16 0.19 |
0.14 0.17 |
0.13 0.15 |
0.11 0.14 |
0.10 0.12 |
0.09 0.11 |
| 7 | – 0.35 |
0.26 0.32 |
0.22 0.27 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.16 0.20 |
0.15 0.18 |
0.13 0.16 |
0.12 0.14 |
0.11 0.13 |
| 8 | – 0.40 |
0.30 0.36 |
0.25 0.30 |
0.21 0.26 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.17 0.20 |
0.15 0.18 |
0.14 0.17 |
0.13 0.15 |
| 9 | – 0.45 |
0.34 0.41 |
0.28 0.34 |
0.24 0.29 |
0.21 0.26 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.17 0.20 |
0.15 0.19 |
0.14 0.17 |
| 10 | – 0.51 |
0.38 0.45 |
0.31 0.38 |
0.27 0.32 |
0.23 0.28 |
0.21 0.25 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.17 0.21 |
0.16 0.19 |
| Subtract approximately 0.01 every 40 minutes after drinking. | |||||||||
A variety of resources offer information on substance and alcohol abuse effects and issues. Sources provide information on substance abuse and mental health organizations and Al-Anon and Alateen meetings, substance abuse prevention in young girls, substance abuse statistics and more.
Magnitude of Alcohol-Related Mortality and Morbidity among U.S. College Students Ages 18-24
College Drinking Statistical Papers
Alcohol-related unintentional injury deaths
As explained below, we estimate that in 1998 there were approximately 1,400 unintentional, alcohol-related fatal injuries among college students ages 18-24: approximately 1,100 traffic and 300 nontraffic unintentional, alcohol related fatal injuries.
Motor vehicle crash deaths
The NHSDA survey revealed that, in the year prior to the survey, a significantly greater percentage of 18-24 year old college students, compared with same age noncollege respondents, drank five or more drinks on a single occasion in the past month (41.7% vs 36.5%) and drove under he influence of alcohol (26.5% vs 19.8%).
Unintentional nontraffic deaths
In the NHSDA survey, 18-24 year old college students and same age noncollege students were equally likely to experience alcohol-related health problems (1.9% vs 2.0%).
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at NIH has long been recognized as a national leader in research on harmful drinking among college students. NIAAA developed www.CollegeDrinkingPrevention.gov as a one-stop resource for comprehensive research-based information on issues related to alcohol abuse and binge drinking among college students, with online tools for parents, students, administrators and more.
Blood alcohol content is usually expressed as a percentage of ethanol in the blood in units of mass of alcohol per volume of blood or mass of alcohol per mass of blood, depending on the country. For instance, in North America a BAC of 0.1 (0.1% or one tenth of one percent) means that there are 0.10 g of alcohol for every dL of blood.
Supporting Resources
In addition to the Federally-sponsored resources below, CollegeAIM provides information to help you implement many specific strategies. See the listings on the individual-level and environmental-level strategies pages, and click on strategies rated as effective.
Federal Websites and Resources Supporting the Prevention of Underage and High-Risk Drinking by College Students
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
College Drinking: Changing the Culture is a central location for information related to alcohol use by college students. Resources on this site include:
- College Alcohol Policies, by Campus
- Supporting Research
Alcohol Policy Information System provides detailed information on alcohol-related policies in the United States at both state and federal levels. Detailed state-by-state information is available for more than 30 policies.
Safer Campuses and Communities website is based on an NIAAA-funded study that examined a variety of environmental-level strategies that could be implemented on campuses and in their surrounding communities. A free toolkit for implementing the collaborative model is available online.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA’s College-Age and Young Adults page provides the most recent data on substance use among this age group, including patterns of marijuana use, non-medical use of prescription drugs, cocaine, and newer trends like synthetic drugs, e-cigarettes, and hookah use. It also provides other links of interest to educators; dorm supervisors; counselors; clinicians and researchers who work with this age group, as well as students and parents.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
CMHS leads federal efforts to promote the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. - Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
The mission of CSAP is to improve behavioral health through evidence-based prevention approaches. - Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
CSAT promotes community-based substance abuse treatment and recovery services for individuals and families in every community.
Report to Congress on the Prevention and Reduction of Underage Drinking (2013) includes policy summaries and state summaries identifying current legislative other ongoing efforts. This report is compiled by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and is available through www.StopAlcoholAbuse.gov and the SAMHSA Store.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Guide to Community Preventive Services is a resource for evidence-based recommendations from the Community Preventive Services Task Force about what works to improve public health.
U.S. Department of Education
National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments offers training, technical assistance activities, and resources to support assessment, capacity building, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation. Resources on this site include:
- Using a Public Health and Quality Improvement Approach to Address High-Risk Drinking with 32 Colleges and Universities (2014)
- College Alcohol Risk Assessment Guide: Environmental Approaches to Prevention (2009)
- Methods for Assessing College Student Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs(2008)
U.S. Department of Justice
Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center provides federal and non-federal resources, such as:
- College e-kit web section
- Preventing Binge Drinking on College Campuses: A Guide to Best Practices (2012)
- Promising Practices: Campus Alcohol Strategies (includes an Alcohol Task Force Action Planner)
- Party Patrols: Best Practice Guidelines for College Communities (2010)
Blood Alcohol Level Chart
See also: Short-term effects of alcohol and Alcohol equivalence
| Progressive effects of alcohol | ||
|---|---|---|
| BAC (% by vol.) | Behavior | Impairment |
| 0.001–0.029 | Average individual appears normal | Subtle effects that can be detected with special tests |
| 0.030–0.059 | Mild euphoria Relaxation Joyousness Talkativeness Decreased inhibition | Concentration |
| 0.060–0.099 | Blunted feelings Euphoria Disinhibition Extroversion | Reasoning Depth perception Peripheral vision Glare recovery |
| 0.100–0.199 | Over-expression Boisterousness Possibility of nausea and vomiting | Reflexes Reaction time Gross motor control Staggering Slurred speech Temporary erectile dysfunction |
| 0.200–0.299 | Nausea Vomiting Emotional swings Anger or sadness Partial loss of understanding Impaired sensations Decreased libido Possibility of stupor | Severe motor impairment Loss of consciousness Memory blackout |
| 0.300–0.399 | Stupor Central nervous system depression Loss of understanding Lapses in and out of consciousness Low possibility of death | Bladder function Breathing Dysequilibrium Heart rate |
| 0.400–0.500 | Severe central nervous system depression Coma Possibility of death | Breathing Heart rate Positional Alcohol Nystagmus |
| >0.50 | High risk of poisoning High possibility of death | |
| Standard drink chart (U.S.) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Amount (ml) | Amount (fl oz) | Serving size | Alcohol (% by vol.) | Alcohol |
| 80 proof liquor | 44 | 1.5 | One shot | 40 | 0.6 US fl oz (18 ml) |
| Table wine | 148 | 5 | One glass | 12 | 0.6 US fl oz (18 ml) |
| Beer | 355 | 12 | One can/bottle | 5 | 0.6 US fl oz (18 ml) |
| Male Female | Approximate blood alcohol percentage (by vol.) One drink has 0.5 US fl oz (15 ml) alcohol by volume | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drinks | Body weight | ||||||||
| 40 kg | 45 kg | 55 kg | 64 kg | 73 kg | 82 kg | 91 kg | 100 kg | 109 kg | |
| 90 lb | 100 lb | 120 lb | 140 lb | 160 lb | 180 lb | 200 lb | 220 lb | 240 lb | |
| 1 | – 0.05 |
0.04 0.05 |
0.03 0.04 |
0.03 0.03 |
0.02 0.03 |
0.02 0.03 |
0.02 0.02 |
0.02 0.02 |
0.02 0.02 |
| 2 | – 0.10 |
0.08 0.09 |
0.06 0.08 |
0.05 0.07 |
0.05 0.06 |
0.04 0.05 |
0.04 0.05 |
0.03 0.04 |
0.03 0.04 |
| 3 | – 0.15 |
0.11 0.14 |
0.09 0.11 |
0.08 0.10 |
0.07 0.09 |
0.06 0.08 |
0.06 0.07 |
0.05 0.06 |
0.05 0.06 |
| 4 | – 0.20 |
0.15 0.18 |
0.12 0.15 |
0.11 0.13 |
0.09 0.11 |
0.08 0.10 |
0.08 0.09 |
0.07 0.08 |
0.06 0.08 |
| 5 | – 0.25 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.16 0.19 |
0.13 0.16 |
0.12 0.14 |
0.11 0.13 |
0.09 0.11 |
0.09 0.10 |
0.08 0.09 |
| 6 | – 0.30 |
0.23 0.27 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.16 0.19 |
0.14 0.17 |
0.13 0.15 |
0.11 0.14 |
0.10 0.12 |
0.09 0.11 |
| 7 | – 0.35 |
0.26 0.32 |
0.22 0.27 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.16 0.20 |
0.15 0.18 |
0.13 0.16 |
0.12 0.14 |
0.11 0.13 |
| 8 | – 0.40 |
0.30 0.36 |
0.25 0.30 |
0.21 0.26 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.17 0.20 |
0.15 0.18 |
0.14 0.17 |
0.13 0.15 |
| 9 | – 0.45 |
0.34 0.41 |
0.28 0.34 |
0.24 0.29 |
0.21 0.26 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.17 0.20 |
0.15 0.19 |
0.14 0.17 |
| 10 | – 0.51 |
0.38 0.45 |
0.31 0.38 |
0.27 0.32 |
0.23 0.28 |
0.21 0.25 |
0.19 0.23 |
0.17 0.21 |
0.16 0.19 |
| Subtract approximately 0.01 every 40 minutes after drinking. | |||||||||
Alcohol Myths
Myth 1
I can drink and still be in control.
Fact 1
Drinking impairs your judgment, which increases the likelihood that you will do something you'll later regret such as having unprotected sex, being involved in date rape, damaging property, or being victimized by others.
Myth 2
Drinking isn't all that dangerous.
Fact 2
Among college students, alcohol contributes to deaths from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, as well as assaults, sexual assaults or date rapes, and poor academic performance.
Myth 3
I can sober up quickly if I have to.
Fact 3
It takes about 2 hours for the adult body to eliminate the alcohol content of a single drink, depending on your weight. Nothing can speed up this process - not even coffee or cold showers.
Myth 4
It's okay for me to drink to keep up with my boyfriend.
Fact 4
Women process alcohol differently. No matter how much he drinks, if you drink the same amount as your boyfriend, you will be more intoxicated and more impaired.
Myth 5
Beer doesn't have as much alcohol as hard liquor.
Fact 5
A 12-ounce bottle of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a standard shot of 80-proof liquor (either straight or in a mixed drink) or 5 ounces of wine.
Myth 6
I'd be better off if I learn to "hold my liquor."
Fact 6
If you have to drink increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to get a "buzz" or get "high", you are developing tolerance. Tolerance is actually a warning sign that you're developing more serious problems with alcohol.
Myth 7
I can manage to drive well enough after a few drinks.
Fact 7
The effects of alcohol start sooner than people realize, with mild impairment (up to .05 BAC) starting to affect speech, memory, attention, coordination, and balance. And if you are under 21, driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is illegal and you could lose your license. The risks of a fatal crash for drivers with positive blood alcohol content (BAC) compared with other drivers (i.e., the relative risk) increase with increasing BAC, and the risks increase more steeply for drivers younger than age 21 than for older drivers.
.
NIAAA recently launched the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. This online tool helps you find the right treatment for you — and near you. It guides you through a step-by-step process to finding a highly qualified professional treatment provider. Learn more at https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov
Harm Reduction, Injecting Drug Use 101, Guide to Cleaning Used Syringes
Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment (works) to inject drugs puts people at high risk for getting or transmitting HIV and other infections. People who inject drugs account for about 1 in 10 HIV diagnoses in the United States. The best way to reduce the risk of getting or transmitting HIV through injection drug use is to stop injecting drugs. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find a treatment center. If you continue injecting drugs, never share needles or works.
If you continue injecting drugs, never share needles or works. Many communities have syringe services programs (SSPs) where you can get free sterile needles and syringes and safely dispose of used ones. They can also refer you to substance use disorder treatment and help you get tested for HIV and hepatitis. Contact your local health department or North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) to find an SSP. Also, some pharmacies may sell needles without a prescription.
Clean Syringe Access Database
US Syringe Exchange Program Database
NASEN is dedicated to the creation, expansion and continued existence of syringe exchange programs as a proven method of stopping the transmission of blood-borne pathogens in the injecting drug using community.
The following is a list by state/province/territory of those syringe exchange programs in North America that have given us permission to make their contact information public. This is not a definitive list of all syringe exchange programs.
Exchange Program
A Disinfected Syringe is NOT a Sterile Syringe If it is done carefully and thoroughly, disinfection can reduce the amount of live HIV, HBV, and HCV in a syringe.
However, even the best disinfection procedure cannot guarantee that all viruses have been killed. The plastic syringes usually used by IDUs are designed for one-time use. They are not designed to be cleaned and used again.
Disinfected syringes do NOT meet the standards that are applied in all other settings in which people use syringes (such as hospitals, other health care settings, and insulin injections by people with diabetes). In these settings, people must use a new, sterile syringe for every injection.
For these reasons, a disinfected syringe is NOT as safe as a new, sterile syringe. Recommendations about disinfecting syringes with bleach or others agents apply ONLY to situations in which IDUs do not have sterile syringes.
Substance abuse treatment and access to sterile syringes through pharmacies, physician prescription, and syringe exchange programs are essential components of HIV prevention efforts among injection drug users.
Other things you can do to lower your risk of getting or transmitting HIV, if you continue to inject drugs, include:
- Cleaning used needles with bleach. This may reduce the risk of HIV but doesn’t eliminate it.
- Using sterile water to fix drugs.
- Cleaning your skin with a new alcohol swab before you inject.
- Being careful not to get someone else’s blood on your hands or your needle or works.
- Disposing of needles safely after one use. Use a sharps container, or keep used needles away from other people.
- Getting tested for HIV at least once a year.
- Asking your doctor about taking daily medicine to prevent HIV (called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP).
- Using a condom the right way every time you have anal or vaginal sex. Learn the right way to use a male condom.
Learn more about how to protect yourself, and get information tailored to meet your needs from CDC’s HIV Risk Reduction Tool
Getting Help Resources from National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Finding and Getting Help
Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
This guide from NIAAA is written for individuals, and their family and friends, who are looking for options to address alcohol problems. It is intended as a resource to understand what treatment choices are available and what to consider when selecting among them.
Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health
For anyone who drinks, this site and booklet from NIAAA offers valuable, research-based information to help people to take a look at their drinking habits and how they may affect their health, and find ways to make a change.
Professional help
Your doctor. Primary care and mental health practitioners can provide effective alcoholism treatment by combining new medications with brief counseling visits. To aid clinicians, NIAAA has developed two guides: Helping Patients Who Drink Too Much, and for younger patients, Alcohol Screening and Brief Interventions for Youth: A Practitioner’s Guide. Both are available at www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/clinical-guides-and-manuals.
Specialists in alcohol use disorders. For specialty addiction treatment options, contact your doctor, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program. Other resources include:
Medical and non-medical addiction specialists
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
www.aaap.org
401–524–3076
American Psychological Association
www.apa.org
1–800–964–2000 (ask for your State’s referral number to find psychologists with addiction specialties)
American Society of Addiction Medicine
www.asam.org
301–656–3920 (ask for the phone number of your State’s chapter)
NAADAC Substance Abuse Professionals
www.naadac.org
1–800–548–0497
National Association of Social Workers
www.helpstartshere.org (search for social workers with addiction specialties)
Treatment facilities
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
findtreatment.samhsa.gov
1–800–662–HELP (1-800-662-4357)
Mutual-support groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
www.aa.org
212–870–3400 or check your local phone directory under “Alcoholism”
Moderation Management
www.moderation.org
212–871–0974
Secular Organizations for Sobriety
www.sossobriety.org
323–666–4295
SMART Recovery
www.smartrecovery.org
440–951–5357
Women for Sobriety
www.womenforsobriety.org
215–536–8026
Groups for family and friends
Al-Anon Family Groups
al-anon.org
1–888–425–2666 for meetings
Adult Children of Alcoholics
adultchildren.org
310–534–1815
Information resources
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
www.niaaa.nih.gov
301–443–3860
National Institute on Drug Abuse
www.drugabuse.gov
301–443–1124
National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
1–866–615–6464
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
www.samhsa.gov
1–800–729–6686
Use Condom the Right Way, Condom Size Calculator, Lubricant, Barebacking and Resources
Basic educational information with resources and videos are free to view, share, and download.
About Condom Size Chart With Snug, Regular and Large Size Condoms CONDOM DOs and DON’Ts Fact Sheet Condom Fact Sheet In Brief Condom Fact Sheet In Brief Spanish Condom Quiz - WebMD Condom Size Chart Guide Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Condoms and STDs Fact Sheet for Public Health Personnel Condoms and STDs Fact Sheet for Public Health Personnel Spanish How to Buy Condoms- 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow How To Put on a Condom graphic How To Use A Dental Dam As A Barrier For Oral Sex How To Use A Dental Dam As A Barrier For Oral Sex Spanish Male Condom Use Fact Sheets Male Condom Use Fact Sheets Spanish PrEP Infographics Brochure Right Way To Use A Female Condom Right Way To Use A Female Condom Spanish Teen Condom Fact Sheet Teen Condom Fact Sheet Spanish Teen It’s Your Future You Can Protect It Find Youth Info Sheet Teen It’s Your Future You Can Protect It Pregnancy Brochure The Female Condom Guide The Female Condom Guide Spanish Women and Girls Awareness Poster 11x17 Women and Girls Awareness Poster Print 8x10 Women and Girls Viral Suppression Poster The Condom Size Calculator
Suggested Condom Size
The condom size chart is broken down to introduces the condom brand and name along with a brief description about each condom.
Due to the fact that every penis is different, one single comprehensive condom size chart seems impossible. Yet when it comes to condoms, size (and shape) is everything- for effective protection and pleasure.
The Condom Calculator
Quick Tip: if your penis girth is below 4.7 inches (119mm) check out the snugger fit section. Regular condoms will best suit you if your girth is between 4.7″–5.1″ (119-130mm). Guys with girth bigger than 5.1″ (130mm) should use a larger condom. Check out the condom calculator to get more accurate suggestions for your size. You can also read more about how to choose your size.
Why Condoms Break
There are several reasons why a condom would break
- Too old. Modern condom wrappers have a date after which the condom should not be used.
- Improper storage. Heat damages latex condoms, so they should not be kept in a hot place, such as a car glove compartment or wallet.
- Not enough lubrication. Additional lubrication is always needed for rectal sex. It may also be needed for vaginal sex. The lubricant should be water-soluble, such as KY jelly.
- The wrong kind of lubricant. Lubricants that contain oil -- such as Vaseline, baby oils, and vegetable oils -- should not be used with latex condoms since they weaken the rubber.
- Too small. Try a larger size.
- Partner too tight. Use an extra strength condom and more lubricant.
A condom may come off during sex because:
- Condom too large. Try a snug condom.
- Loss of erection. Remove your penis, holding on to the rolled edge of the condom, as soon as you begin to lose your erection.
Using a personal lubricant
Never use an oil-based lube with latex condoms (this includes, baby oil, coconut oil, etc.) or you run the risk of condom breakage!
Water-based lubes are slippery and may need to be reapplied. They are easy to clean up with water. Look for high-quality (body safe) choices that state they are petrochemical-free, glycerin-free and paraben-free.
- rinses off easily from skin and fabric
- cheaper and easier to find than silicone-based lube
Silicone-based lubes are slick and can be used in water (hot tubs, showers, lakes, swimming pools). They are less likely to need multiple applications (in comparison to water-based lubes). They generally require soap and water for clean-up. Use them sparingly and avoid getting them on surfaces you don’t want to slip on later.
- lasts longer than water-based lube
- best for anal sex
Flavored lubes
- usually a water-based lube with flavor added, often contains sugar
- best for oral sex, especially when using a condom
What's the best kind of condom?
Types of Condom
There are so many condoms out there, so many choices and so little time. There are condoms marketed and labeled as "ultrasensitive," and these are usually thinner and provide more warmth and direct contact. When you buy or choose condoms, look for the ones with the word "ultrasensitive." In addition, using water-based lubrication can increase the pleasure and decrease the risk of small tears or cuts that allow STDs and HIV entry into a partner.
There's a newish condom called Pleasure Plus that has a pouch near the head for larger and uncut penises. It also has ribs and lube on the pouch for extra sensation. On the Condomania web site can help you decide which to try.
Condomania also sell condom samplers so you can try a few and see which you like enough to buy more of.
Allergic to Latex Condoms?
Although a slight percentage (approximately 3%) of people are allergic to latex condoms Stop using latex rubbers and invest instead in polyurethane, tactylon or lambskin condoms. Keep in mind, however, that lambskin does not prevent the transmission of STDs.
Male Condom Use, Fact Sheets and Condom Shopping Guide
Condom Guide
Use this handy shopping guide as a reminder of what to look for when buying condoms and lubricants.
Always be sure to choose:
[X] Latex or polyurethane, including the female condom
[X] Disease prevention claim on package label
Also consider:
[ ] With lubricant
[ ] Separate lubricant (Select only water-based lubricants made for this purpose.)
Male Condom Use
Male Condom Use Fact Sheets Male Condom Use Fact Sheets Spanish Male Condom Use and Fact Sheets
The Right Way To Use A Male Condom
Condom Dos and Don’ts
- DO use a condom every time you have sex.
- DO put on a condom before having sex.
- DO read the package and check the expiration date.
- DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
- DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.
- DO use latex or polyurethane condoms.
- DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
- DON’T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them.
- DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause irritation.
- DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to break.
- DON’T use more than one condom at a time.
- DON’T reuse a condom.
How To Put On and Take Off a Male Condom
Carefully open and remove condom from wrapper.
Place condom on the head of the erect, hard penis. If uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin first.
Pinch air out of the tip of the condom.
Unroll condom all the way down the penis.
After sex but before pulling out, hold the condom at the base. Then pull out, while holding the condom in place.
The Female Condom and Facts
The Female Condom:
The female condom, like the male condom, is a barrier contraceptive made of latex or polyurethane. The condom has a ring on each end. The ring that is placed inside the vagina fits over the cervix, while the other ring, which is open, rests outside of the vagina and covers the vulva. The female condom is sold over-the-counter.
The Female Health Company - The Female Health Company is the only developer and manufacturer of the female condom. Their website provides information regarding the product, strategic introduction of the female condom, resources and other information.
The FC2 female condom, the second generation female condom, is now available in the United States. The FC2 female condom is a strong, thin, nitrile sheath that is about 6.5 inches long (about the same length as a male condom) with a flexible "ring" at each end. It is inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and provides protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. The inner ring aids insertion and helps keep the female condom in place during intercourse while the softer outer ring remains outside the vagina.
- Provides both men and women with an additional choice to prevent unintended pregnancies and protect themselves from STDs including HIV.
- Is the only female-initiated barrier method alternative to the male condom.
- Forms a barrier between the penis and the vagina, cervix and external genitalia, thereby providing additional protection.
- Is made from nitrile, a synthetic latex, and causes no allergic reactions and, unlike latex, may be used with both oil and water based lubricants.
- Can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so it will not interrupt sexual spontaneity. It is not dependent on the male erection and does not require immediate withdrawal after ejaculation.
- Conducts/retains heat, so sexual intercourse can feel natural.
- Is not tight or constricting
The female condom is not difficult to use, but it may take practice to become comfortable using it. It is recommended that women practice inserting and removing the female condom, before using it for the first time during sexual intercourse. The female condom should not be used together with a male condom.
Female Condom Use
The Right Way To Use A Female Condom
The Female Condom Guide The Female Condom Guide Spanish Female Condom Dos and Don’ts
- DO use a female condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex.*
- DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
- DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
- DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
- DO store female condoms in a cool, dry place.
*Female condoms can also be used for anal sex.
- DON’T use a male condom with a female condom, as this can cause tearing.
- DON’T reuse a female condom.
- DON’T flush female condoms as they may clog the toilet.
How To Insert and Remove a Female Condom
Carefully open and remove female condom from package to prevent tearing.
The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering vaginal opening.
Find a comfortable position. While holding outside of condom at closed end, squeeze sides of inner ring together with your thumb and forefinger and insert into vagina. It is similar to inserting a tampon.
Using your finger, push inner ring as far up as it will go until it rests against cervix. The condom will expand naturally and you may not feel it.
Be sure condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside vagina.
Guide partner’s penis into opening of female condom. Stop intercourse if you feel penis slip between condom and walls of vagina or if outer ring is pushed into vagina.
To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull female condom out of vagina.
Throw away female condom in trash after using it one time. Do not reuse.
Semen Leakage
About Semen Leakage
- Semen leakage is caused by a weakening of the parasympathetic sexual nerve that keeps the ejaculation valve closed and maintains the erection. If not taken care of, it's possible that maintaining an erection can become a problem as well.
- To hold the erection up and tighten the ejaculation valve, you need a basic resting potential in the parasympathetic sexual motoring nerve and a continuous burst of testosterone to charge the nerves during sex. Testicular stimulation during intercourse can help the testosterone burst, and increase penile power and combat seminal leakage that often contributes to premature ejaculation (not to mention potential embarrassment in front of a partner).
- There are herbal supplements that can help you achieve the quality sex you want by providing an increase in testosterone as fuel. Good luck.
Withdrawal (Pull Out Method)
What is pulling out (withdrawal)?
Pulling out (also known as withdrawal) is a way to prevent pregnancy by keeping semen away from the vagina. Withdrawal works best when you use another birth control method with it, like a condom.
What’s the withdrawal method (pulling out)?
Pulling out is exactly what it sounds like: pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation (aka cumming). If semen (cum) gets in your vagina, you can get pregnant. So ejaculating away from a vulva or vagina prevents pregnancy. But you have to be sure to pull out before any semen comes out, every single time you have vaginal sex, in order for it to work.
The truth about barebacking
About Barebacking
Barebacking usually refers to a conscious and deliberate choice to forgo condoms.
On barebacking, my boyfriend (top) has had three negative tests over nine months and I have had one. Are we pretty well OK? If you mean negative HIV tests, then it is unlikely that either of you are HIV infected, but to be sure, both partners need to be monogamous and you should get another test. The risk of barebacking, however, goes beyond HIV. People can transmit herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia to each other, too -- so both partners should also be tested and treated, if infected, for these infections. There should be testing of the urine and rectum for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Both of these are treatable infections and can lay dormant in your body without symptoms. Ask your doctor for a full spectrum of STD tests for the different places you have sex -- throat, penis and/or rectum. If either of you are barebacking with each other and having other partners, it's important to have safe sex with the other partners so you don't bring anything home.
Heterosexual bareback
The term bareback sex is used less frequently among heterosexuals. A survey by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that heterosexual women are more likely to bareback when engaging in anal sex than homosexual and bisexual men are. Heterosexual bareback sex, as opposed to sex with condoms, poses an increased risk of STIs whether vaginally or anally, and an increased risk of pregnancy via penetration of the vagina.
Bareback (sex) Wikipedia Read More
The Gift (2003 film) 62 minutes
DOCUMENTS THE PHENOMENON OF DELIBERATE HIV INFECTION
Documentary (English)
Louise Hogarth
Dream Out Loud Productions
Gift Giver: HIV positive man who gives The Gift of HIV infection.
Bug CHaser: HIV negative man who deliberately becomes infected with HIV.
Barebacking: Deliberate high risk sex with disregard for HIV infection.
The Gift documents the phenomenon of deliberate HIV infection. The film follows the stories of two "bug chasers" who sought out "the gift" of HIV infection. Also interviewed are AIDS activist and author, Walt Odets, PhD, and HIV+ and HIV- men. The film explores the normalization and glamorization of HIV/AIDS and discusses the isolation and division caused by HIV status in the gay community.
Doug, a central character of the film is a bright, articulate young man who moved from the Midwest to San Francisco in search of a gay community. He became a bug chaser and actively sought The Gift of HIV infection.
Best Documentary Newfest Lesbian & Gay (New York City) Best Documentary - Santa Barbara Lesbian & Gay Film Best Documentary and Best Feature Film (2nd place) Audience Award Q! Film Festival, Jakarta International Film Festival (Indonesia) Louise Hogarth, one of twenty Iconoclasts, picked by Seed Magazine - A Portfolio of the Icons & Iconoclasts who Redefined Science in 2003.
Subject
Syphilis | congenital syphilis prevention | chlamydia | gonorrhea | congenital gonorrhea prevention | STD | STI | sexually transmitted infection | sexually transmitted disease | testing | infant | infection | Medicine | Health | Cure | Pain | Doctor | Antibiotic | symptoms | signs | genitals | mouth | treatment | sore throat | lymph nodes | oral sex | vaginal sex | anal sex | Sexually Transmitted Disease
It's important to use condoms (rubbers, prophylactics) to help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. You can get them through having sex -- vaginal, anal, or oral.
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Files and Videos
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We prevent the spread of HIV and help those affected by making HIV/AIDS prevention education videos in many languages available for free. You can stream the videos from YouTube or download higher quality versions from the Internet Archive under the Creative Commons "Attribution - Non-Commercial - No Derivatives" license.
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