Cape Coral Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facilities

Cape Coral ranks number 13 in new HIV cases per year.

One of the more serious risks associated with certain types of substance abuse is HIV transmission.¹ Sadly, Cape Coral is struggling severely with this issue, as the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area ranks 26^th in the nation for cities with the highest number of newly diagnosed HIV-positive people based on population.² The city is also 13^th in the country for new annual cases of HIV.²

HIV is a transmissible virus that destroys the immune system over time, making it difficult for the body to protect itself against illness.³ Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the ways in which drug use can increase their likelihood of getting or passing HIV to another person. These ways can include:^{1, “Using drugs”}

• Poor decision making: When you use drugs, you are more likely to make poor or dangerous decisions. In many cases, these decisions involve sex, potentially including doing so with strangers or without adequate protection. Both actions can lead to the transmission of HIV.
• Using injection-based drugs: Many people who use these types of drugs share needles with other people, which can facilitate HIV transmission. In other cases, they may be willing to use found needles, not knowing where they have been and usually not having been sterilized.
• Engaging in extremely dangerous behaviors in order to obtain drugs: This can include exchanging sex for drugs or money. This is very risky in a number of ways, including the risk of HIV transmission.

Many of the detrimental consequences of substance abuse can be prevented by seeking drug or alcohol treatment and maintaining sobriety.

In addition to treating addiction, rehab centers near Cape Coral and other facilities across the country often offer HIV/AIDS testing, education, prevention, and a number of other options to help those at risk and those who have already contracted the illness.⁴ You can find such resources around the country by checking our database today.

Sources

1. HIV.gov. (2018). How Can Using Drugs Put Me at Risk for Getting or Transmitting HIV?
2. Professional Research Consultants. (2017). Community Health Needs Assessment Report: Lee County, FL.
3. HIV.gov. (2017). What Are HIV and AIDS?
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.

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