Unless you’ve been in a cave since the mid-1980’s, you know that drug use, particularly IV drug use, is correlated with HIV and AIDS. But over the last decade, the immune-deficiency disease hasn’t got the limelight it once did and people may not understand the risks associated with drug use and HIV.
HIV/AIDS Basics
A virus that attacks the body’s immune system, HIV is transmitted through contact with an infected individual’s blood or body fluids. It destroys T-helper cells, a specific kind of white blood cell, and mimics itself inside the cell, spreading quickly.
Featured Rehab Center
Unprotected Sex
When talking about addiction and HIV, most people automatically assume you’re talking about sharing needles, but that’s not the only way addiction increases your risk to contract the virus. Addicts are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, especially when intoxicated, than others. These risky behaviors include unprotected sex, promiscuity, and prostitution, all which put those addicted to drugs and alcohol at a much higher risk rate than the average person.
Sharing Needles
Sharing needles is one of the main ways HIV is spread in the United States.
Although many don’t like to admit it, when you’re an IV drug user, eventually, no matter how hard you try not to, you’ll find yourself in a situation when you share a needle with someone else. Typically, there’s always a justification: it’s my boyfriend, I know she’s not infected, she’s my best friend, he’d tell me if he hadn’t been tested. But the fact remains, sharing a needle with anyone is dangerous.
According to the Center for Disease Control, it’s estimated that nearly 1.2 million Americans are infected with HIV, and over one in ten doesn’t know they’re infected. That’s over 156,000 people. That’s a lot. And that’s why HIV continues to spread.
What Happened in Indiana
In the summer of 2015, Indiana experienced the worst HIV outbreak in years, all related to heroin and IV drug use. As of February 2016, 188 cases have been diagnosed, a few more being added almost every month since the breakout began. This event has awakened some to the devastating effects heroin is having on our country, and has demonstrated to users the importance of not sharing needles. Even though so many people were infected, the progression has slowed immensely and policies are being put into place for harm reduction. The use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a combination of two HIV medications, has been used to prevent infection in those who are most at risk. The drug combination reduces the risk of HIV by 90 percent through unprotected sex and 70 percent through IV drug use.
Drug Use Impacts Treatment
HIV and AIDS were once considered a fatal disease and diagnosis was a death sentence, but that’s not the case anymore. Treated with heavy anti-virals, HIV can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Unless you’re abusing drugs or alcohol. Drug use impacts the way your body accepts the treatment and doesn’t allow it get as many benefits.
Is Drug Use Putting You at Risk?
Are you concerned that your drug use is putting you at risk for HIV or AIDS? Are you ready to make a change and embrace a life in recovery? Call 800-481-6320Who Answers? for help today.
Drug or alcohol addiction is a serious condition that is actually considered a disease but the disease is treatable. When addiction is treated properly, many addicts can go on to live completely normal and fulfilling lives post addiction. A major part of addiction treatment surrounds what is known as relapse prevention. Relapse prevention is a….
Typically there are two types of rehab centers—inpatient rehab centers and outpatient rehab centers. Both facilities can assist with recovery from various types of addictions and conditions such as eating disorders or mental illness. So, how do you choose whether your treatment would be best facilitated in an inpatient rehab center or an outpatient rehab center?
The decision to attend a rehab center for treatment of drug or alcohol addiction may be the most important decision you ever make. Of course you want to assure that you make the best decision and that you choose the best rehab center for you, but how do you do that? What factors should be….
Attorney General Mike DeWine was the main speaker and leader at a conference held in Christ’s Church in Mason, Ohio on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. The conference was focused on the opioid epidemic in the state of Ohio and also specifically on the children who have become affected, hurt, and displaced by this crisis when….
Some inpatient rehab facilities offer a holiday furlough to patients who are doing particularly well in their program. If you are on a holiday furlough, there are things that you need to avoid in order to prevent relapse and to keep your standing as a successful rehab patient. 1. Try to Avoid Stress Although according….
There are various reasons as to why a person should get help from a meth rehab, but the ultimate reason is for them to regain control of their life. Meth rehab can provide a person with the mental and physical help they need to learn to manage their addiction and live drug free. Why Rehab….
Despite the American Psychological Association’s doubts that internet addiction can be considered an actual addiction there are points that an obsession with the internet fits the definition. The persistent and compulsive use of the internet to the determent of a person’s life or livelihood definitely exists. Many people report that the internet has ruined their….
Nearly every medicine cabinet in the US has some type of painkillers in it and some people even carry doses of painkillers with them in their pockets, bags or purses. Though millions of people take painkillers responsibly and do not suffer from addiction, millions of others have fallen victim to the physical and psychological strongholds….
Are you the friend or family member of a known addict? Did you know that sometimes it’s the friends and family members that actually help save the life of the addict by making the call and helping them get into drug rehab to get help for their addiction? It’s not just the addict who can….
Your commitment to sobriety is the most important commitment that you will ever make in your life. It’s like a marriage between yourself and your life and once you find a way to become sober, maintaining your sobriety is of utmost importance. Here are some tips for staying committed to yourself and remaining sober. What’s….
Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: ARK Behavioral Health, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.
