A message from our founder
“It needs to be addressed directly.”
Putting this research together wasn’t easy. Many organizations still avoid talking about substance use among young people, which often leads to silence around something already present in their lives.
02STI and HIV trends
Detection and diagnosis are on the rise
18%
of youth who tested positive had HIV, up from 8% in 2022.
- 2022 report, 8%
- 2026 report, 18%
2026 report, p.12–13
04Treatment
Youth continue to face gaps in treatment
- Got treatment, 73%
- 27%did not get treatment
2026 report, p.24–25
Why youth went without treatment
Knowledge gaps
Many weren’t sure treatment was necessary.
“I didn’t need it.”
System-level barriers
Others had trouble getting care.
“Can’t afford it.”
Real respondents. Pseudonyms used.
Why youth went without treatment
Knowledge gaps
Many weren’t sure treatment was necessary.
“I didn’t need it.”
System-level barriers
Others had trouble getting care.
“Can’t afford it.”
Real respondents. Pseudonyms used.
Part 2, Substance use
05Substance use and sex
Substance use and sex among youth today
Among youth who have mixed, alcohol (62%) and cannabis (60%) are the most common. Of those who haven’t, 73% would not consider it.
47%
have combined substances and sex.
2026 report, p.28
06Risk and pleasure
Most youth who mix still think about prevention
70%
used at least one form of HIV prevention while mixing.
2026 report, p.36
Condoms
PrEP
PEP
PrEP is taken before a possible exposure to HIV, PEP after.
08Talking about it
Youth want practical, non-judgmental conversations
Who youth feel comfortable talking to about substance use
- Sexual partners75%
- Friends67%
- A doctor32%
- Parents19%
- Teachers6%
2026 report, p.45
2026 video campaign
One night. Alcohol, intimacy, uncertainty.
Read the 2026 Sex Lives Report
60 pages. Eight chapters, plus the methodology, resources and who took part.
6060
pages, April 2026pages, published April 2026
88
chapterschapters, plus methodology, resources and respondents
Aug 2–17Aug 2–17, 2025
2025 surveysurveyed by LetsStopAIDS and Ipsos