Why is drinking alcohol considered a high-risk behavior for contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

• A. Alcohol impairs judgment, which can lead to risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, increasing the likelihood of contracting an STI.
• B. Alcohol increases metabolism, which makes STIs spread faster in the body.
• C. Alcohol directly kills immune cells, making the body unable to fight off any infection.
• D. Alcohol consumption guarantees that a person will contract an STI regardless of their sexual behavior.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of high-risk behaviors in the context of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). High-risk behaviors are actions that increase the likelihood of exposure to or transmission of infections.
2. Recognize that alcohol consumption affects cognitive functions, particularly judgment and decision-making abilities, which are crucial in assessing risks and making safe choices.
3. Analyze how impaired judgment due to alcohol can lead to risky sexual behaviors, such as having unprotected sex or multiple partners, which directly increase the chance of contracting an STI.
4. Evaluate the incorrect options by considering biological mechanisms: alcohol does not increase metabolism to spread STIs faster, nor does it directly kill immune cells to prevent fighting infections, and it does not guarantee infection regardless of behavior.
5. Conclude that the primary reason alcohol is considered a high-risk factor for STIs is its impairment of judgment, leading to behaviors that elevate the risk of infection.