Drug or Alcohol Addiction & HIV/AIDS

The HIV virus spreads from the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. This can include via unprotected sex, sharing non-sterile drug injection equipment, from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or through infected blood or plasma transfusions.¹

Thus, people who regularly misuse substances are at increased risk for transmission through injection, and the increased likelihood of risky sexual behaviors due to altered judgment and lowered inhibition.¹ Neither HIV nor addiction have a “cure,” but there are effective treatments.^{1, 2} Many people undergoing treatment can hope to live healthy, productive lives despite being diagnosed with either disease.² Understanding the link between HIV and addiction and how to find treatment can be an important first step in achieving recovery.

The Connection Between HIV & Addiction

There is a clear relationship between the risky behaviors associated with addiction and HIV transmission, but less well known are the effects of substance misuse and addiction after transmission.¹ People who continue to engage in drug use after HIV diagnosis may experience higher viral loads, faster progression of their HIV, and higher AIDS-related mortality rates.¹ It is also possible that the brain cells affected by HIV can cause disruptions that may negatively affect drug use and addiction progression.¹

Both HIV and addiction can have long-term effects on brain structure and neuron functionality.¹ The interplay of these effects can make it easier for HIV to enter the brain and cause chronic brain inflammation and problems with the condition.¹ In addition, many of the cognitive problems caused by NeuroHIV look similar to cognitive problems seen in drug use, addiction, other psychiatric illnesses, or aging.¹ With similar symptoms, it is possible that people may experience worsening symptoms when they have two or more of these conditions.¹

Drug Use & HIV

Drug use is associated with engaging in risky sexual behaviors.¹ Drugs and alcohol can alter judgment and decrease inhibition, which may make people engage in behaviors they would otherwise avoid when not under the influence.¹

Sharing drug injection equipment, a practice often used by people with chronic addiction, also puts people at risk for HIV transmission.¹ Even if it appears clean, needles and other equipment can harbor microscopic traces of the virus that remain on or in them after coming in contact with blood.³ Additionally, HIV can remain in a syringe for up to 42 days after a person with HIV uses it. ³

What to Do if You Think You May Have HIV

If you think you may have been exposed to or contracted HIV, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. If you test positive, there is treatment available to help you prevent spreading HIV to your partner(s) and live a long and healthy life.⁴ If you test negative, but know that you may continue to engage with behaviors that put you at risk, you can take medicine to prevent transmission before it happens, or within 72 hours after first exposure.⁴

Your doctor primarily wants you to be healthy, and open communication is the key to getting the health resources you need. There are treatments to avoid HIV, but you can’t utilize them without knowing if you have it. Ask your doctor for testing today.

How to Treat Addiction & HIV/AIDS

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and have been diagnosed with HIV or HIV/AIDS, help is available. Depending on the severity and progression of both diseases, treatment can become complicated and require specialized interventions.⁵ Alongside the traditional addiction treatment program and medication for HIV, people with these two diagnoses often acquire many other complicated diseases.⁵

To ensure the best future health outcomes, people with substance use disorders and HIV may require additional nontraditional treatment components such as:⁵

• Nutrition counseling.
• Exercise regimens.
• Education about cancer self-examination.
• Information about lowering cholesterol.

Though the combination of both diseases can be complicated, engagement with evidence-based treatment through professional help can be effective.² A healthy future is possible by seeking help and sticking with treatment.

Finding Help for Addiction & HIV/AIDS

Many addiction treatment centers also offer treatment for HIV/AIDS. Speaking to your doctor about local rehab and addiction services can be an easy and effective way to find a facility that meets your needs. Many treatment centers offer information about available resources on their website or can give you information by quickly calling one of their admission navigators.

But, even if your rehab of choice cannot provide HIV treatment, getting addiction treatment can still provide lifelong benefits. Ask your primary care physician for information about addiction resources and HIV treatment referrals. Or use the treatment directory on rehabs.com to find addiction centers that meet your needs. If you aren’t sure where to start, the American Addiction Centers (AAC) admissions navigators can get you connected with someone to guide you through the first steps, such as locating a treatment facility and verifying your insurance. Contact AAC today and get your health back.