How do Young People Feel About a BrAC Limit for Consenting to Sex After Consuming Alcohol?.

Abstract

Introduction

The goal of this study was to assess whether and why people think .08 should be the legal breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) limit for consenting to sex after drinking alcohol, as it is for driving in the US. We also examined if there were gender differences in these perceptions.

Method

Young adults (n = 163, 52.14% men, 92.63% intoxicated) participated in a 10-min interview in Fall 2018-Spring 2019. They were asked if the BrAC limit for drinking and driving (.08) should be the same for consenting to sex and to explain why. We conducted a chi-square test to examine gender differences associated with these perceptions and conducted qualitative content analysis to examine reasons for a supporting or opposing a .08 BrAC limit.

Results

More women perceived a need for a legal BrAC limit with consent and alcohol; more men perceived no limit was needed. There were six reasons people provided regarding their support or opposition for a BrAC limit. Some participants viewed that if someone is too impaired to drive, then they should not engage in sexual activity. However, participants also challenged the notion that consenting to sex and driving while intoxicated were similar.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that making global laws regarding alcohol and consent and having people follow them, may be challenging.

Policy Implications

Our findings could inform sexual assault programs and policies, social norms campaigns, and substance use policies.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 3-25-2025

Publication Title

Sexuality Research and Social Policy

First Page

2245

Last Page

2252

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