The survey of teens aged 12 to 17 concluded that 66 percent of sexually active teens are likely to have tried alcohol, compared with 10 percent of teens who aren't having sex, the Associated Press reported.
Sexually active teens were more likely (31 percent vs. 1 percent) to have been drunk at least once in the previous month; more likely (45 percent vs. 2 percent) to have tried marijuana; and more likely (45 percent vs. 8 percent) to have tried cigarettes.
The more time that teens spent with their girlfriends or boyfriends, the more likely they were to smoke, use drugs and drink, the survey found.
"This year's survey reveals a tight connection between teen sexual behavior and substance abuse. Parents who become aware of certain dating and sexual behavior by their children should be alert to the increased likelihood of substance abuse," Joseph A. Califano Jr., president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, told the AP.
