Drug Addiction and HIV
Drug addiction and HIV cause countless deaths every year. It is not surprising that drug and alcohol use is a major factor in the spread of HIV infection. This is often due to addicts sharing equipment that is contaminated with HIV and hepatitis. Drug addiction and HIV are also linked with unsafe sexual activity.
HIV infection spreads easily when people share equipment to use drugs. Sharing equipment also spreads hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other serious diseases. Infected blood can be drawn up into a syringe and then get injected along with the drug by the next user of the syringe. This is the easiest way to transmit HIV during drug use because infected blood goes directly into the bloodstream.
Many drug addicts, such as heroin or cocaine addicts and particularly injection drug users, are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS as well as other infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. For these individuals and the community at large, drug addiction treatment is HIV prevention. Drug injectors who do not enter treatment are up to six times more likely to become infected with HIV than injectors who enter and remain in treatment. Drug users who enter and continue in treatment reduce activities that can spread disease, such as sharing injection equipment and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Participation in treatment also presents opportunities for screening, counseling, and referral for additional services. The best drug abuse treatment programs provide HIV counseling and offer HIV testing to their patients.
For a lot of people, drugs and sex go together. Drug addiction and HIV infection happen because users might trade sex for drugs or for money to buy drugs. Some people connect having unsafe sex with their drug use. Interestingly, research shows that sexual behavior is the main HIV risk factor for injection drug users.
Often, substance users have multiple sexual partners. This increases their risk of becoming infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Also, substance users may have an increased risk of carrying sexually transmitted diseases. This can increase their risk of becoming infected with HIV, or of transmitting HIV infection.
Drug addiction and HIV can also be dangerous for people who are taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs). Drug users are less likely to their medications as directed. In addition, street drugs may have dangerous interactions with ARVs. Drug and alcohol treatment to stop drug use can lower your risk of HIV infection.
When it comes to drug addiction and HIV, drug rehab is more complex than normal drug rehabilitation treatment for a number of reasons, it is also more vital. No matter how the virus is contracted, one thing remains true: the realization that one has HIV does not make their issues with drug addiction obsolete. On the contrary, the fear and depression that accompany an HIV diagnosis can often send their drug use and abuse into an uncontrollable tail spin.
When someone has HIV or AIDS, it is not just �hard� or illegal drugs that can cause them problems. For someone suffering with this virus even alcohol consumption can be deadly due to their lowered immune system. Consuming alcohol may lead to any number of infections that cause complications for those who are HIV positive including hepatitis C, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. In addition, AIDS-related brain damage and dementia can be made worse by substances like alcohol, heroin, crystal meth, and other common street drugs.
The drug rehab needs for someone who has problems with drug addiction and HIV are more complicated than the treatment required for someone who suffers from drug addiction alone. An HIV or AIDS patient may be suffering from additional health complications that require frequent medical interventions during a period of rehab. They may also require life saving medications that may complicate the recovery process. Mentally, the prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders is significantly higher for HIV and AIDS patients. Hence, the existence of HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, and a corresponding mental illness makes the effective rehabilitation of this group problematic.
In short, recovery from drug addiction and HIV is very complex. Drug or alcohol abuse can greatly damage an already weakened body, can reduce HIV medications compliance, and may exacerbate psychiatric conditions. Therefore, HIV and AIDS patients with substance abuse issues desperately need intervention and intensive and appropriate drug rehabilitation. While treatment can be difficult, it is critical for anyone addicted to drugs.
Rehab centers for drug addiction and HIV offer a variety of treatment programs that can meet individual needs and offer sustained help. Programs may include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options. While alcohol and drug addiction progress through predictable stages, each individual�s experience has quite personal and unique characteristics. It takes a trained professional, either a physician or therapist specializing in addictions, to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment program.
Not all drug rehabilitation centers for patients who also have HIV are the same. They may differ significantly in philosophies, program options, credentials, staff skills, qualifications, and cost. The process of selecting the right drug rehab center can be confusing. Most of us don�t know exactly what to look for or the questions to ask that will help determine the drug rehab center that�s best designed to meet your needs. Please contact our highly trained staff and we will help guide you through the many treatment options available for those with drug addiction and HIV.