DEAR DEIDRE: I GOT horribly drunk last week and had sex with a guy I’d only just met.

I didn’t like him or his mate so I’m really ashamed. My drinking is out of control.

3 I went out and got drunk last week and had sex with a guy I’d only just met Credit: Getty - Contributor

I’m 24, with a lot of things going for me. I’m fit and attractive, have a nice bunch of friends and a job that’s OK.

On the downside, my boyfriend lives too far away and we’re not getting on so well, which is a shame as it started off great.

So I go out with mates and behave as if I’m single like them.

At the start of a night I know I look good and I’m up for a great time but I must drink twice as much as my friends.

3 I have a boyfriend but act like I'm single when out with mates Credit: Getty - Contributor

I went to a nightclub last week and I got really drunk on cherry vodka and lemonade. It tasted good but made my head spin.

At the bar, these two guys started flirting with me. I knew them by sight as they live in the town. They’re a couple of years older than me.

I don’t much like either of them but they kept buying drinks and that ticked all the boxes for me.

I didn’t object when the taller one kissed me and put his arm around me. I think all my judgement had gone.

He said he would take me back to his flat as I was in no state to go home alone.

I couldn’t walk straight. When we got there, we kissed then had sex in his bed.

3 The next morning I couldn't believe what I'd done Credit: Corbis - Getty

In the morning I couldn’t believe what I’d done. I felt dirty and guilty.

I hated myself. I’m sure the guy I had sex with will boast to his mate and to others as well.

I’m scared to set foot out of doors in case somebody calls me a slag when I’m out with my mum.

I know I’m drinking too much but I can’t seem to stop once I start.

I need help.

topic4today WE each know at least five gay men and three gay women, on average. But even these days gay people run into prejudice, including in their own families. My e-leaflet Gay Resources outlines support. Email me for a copy or private-message me on my Facebook page.

POPULAR DEAR DEIDRE PROBLEMS DEAR DEIDRE I had sex with a guy after flirting for weeks but haven’t heard from him since SEX PLOY I found a sex toy my wife has been hiding and it makes me feel awful OH, BUMMER! My boyfriend thinks that it is normal behaviour to pat women on their bottoms ASHES TO ASHES Mum's ashes were going to be interred with dad but my sisters have kept them PET PEEVE My fella called me a 'pathetic moron' after putting his dog out in the garden DEAR DEIDRE My girlfriend tried to have sex with me blind drunk and I can’t get over it

DEIDRE SAYS:I am so glad you wrote to me.

That night you were quite clearly drunk, with your judgement impaired.

You were in no state to find your way home and certainly in no state to give consent to having sex.

You bitterly regretted it afterwards and now you feel guilty, hating yourself. But what happened was rape.

Getting drunk may be risky but it isn’t a crime. Rape certainly is.

Get in touch with Rape Crisis for information and support.

You can then decide whether you want to make a report to the police (rapecrisis.org.uk, 0808 802 9999).

And please don’t keep drinking so much. You know it’s a problem for you, so make up your mind to reach out for the help that you need.

My e-leaflet Drink Problem outlines sources of support.