[1] A 1994 study among South London prostitutes showed links between sexual behavior, severity of dependence, and use of heroin, alcohol, and (to a lesser extent) cocaine.
[3] However, organisations such as the English Collective of Prostitutes argue that such a figure is "unreliable as a national statistic",[4] claiming that it originated "from a 2004 study of 71 women, contacted through an outreach project in Bristol [...] who were particularly vulnerable",[4] and that there "are no reliable recent national figures of drug use among sex workers"[4] in the UK.
Researchers have found the choice of drug to be important to the prostitute in serving real or perceived functions.
[6] In the case of heroin, it may be used to adjust to a life which they resent, as it increases peoples ability to withstand emotional and physical stress.
Cocaine and other stimulants have also been reported to increase the confidence of streetwalkers' ability to talk to strangers, and allow for these sex workers to maintain their energy levels.
Moreover, New York call-girls consume alcohol as means of protecting themselves from insults, both physically and emotionally.
Someone who wishes to enhance their sexual experience may turn to drugs in order to increase endurance, intensify sensations, and prolong the encounter.
Women targeted in this way may have financial or emotional problems, come from dysfunctional families, or have a drug addiction already.
If they frequently have unprotected sex, if they are HIV/AIDS positive or have any other sexually acquired infections, if they have any mental health issues or have recently undergone mental health treatment if they are homeless, or if they suffered physical and sexual abuse in adulthood they are much more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
[3] There are also trapping factors: injecting any kind of substance into their body, using hard drugs such as crack cocaine or methamphetamine, taking part in sex work while underage, working outdoors or in multiple areas, and having any convictions.