Drugs and HIV/AIDS: A 2-in-1 Epidemic

There’s a sinister link between HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. Let’s take a closer look.

For the past decades, HIV/AIDS has spread and infected people all over the world. In fact, it is considered as a global epidemic. And unfortunately, this disease can be treated, but not cured.

Consequently, drug use is on the rise. The resulting high-risk behaviors, promiscuity, and lack of care for sanitation and hygiene, have also done its part in spreading HIV/AIDS among users.

In this article, we’re taking a look on the link between HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV targets and destroys certain cells in the immune system, the body’s system responsible for warding off and fighting diseases. The cells that HIV destroys are then converted by the virus to produce more virus to infect healthy cells. As a result, a person infected with HIV will have inadequate capability to fight germs and viruses, thereby making them highly susceptible to infections and illnesses. A person has AIDS when he or she has a low number of immune system cells targeted by HIV, the CD4+ cells, and they have the infections associated with HIV.

HIV is spread when the bodily fluids of the infected person, such as blood and mucous, comes in contact with the blood, mucous membranes, and skin of another person who was initially uninfected. Today, HIV is spread mainly through unprotected sex and by sharing needles and other unsanitized and infected equipment. Still, there are also other ways HIV is spread, but the aforementioned two are the main ways.

The Link Between HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse

Many drug users put themselves at risk for contacting and spreading HIV/AIDS. Let’s take a closer look at why:

• Those drug users who take drugs intravenously, through needles or syringes, are at high risk, especially when they share needles with other users. Aside from HIV/AIDS, other infections can be spread as well, such as Hepatitis C.
• Drug users tend to participate in risky behavior especially when they are experiencing the “high.” They become more confident, more uninhibited, and more impulsive. They tend to have poor judgment and have less regard for safety. Many will get involved in unsafe sexual practices and promiscuity such as unprotected sex, putting them and their partner at risk for contracting or spreading HIV/AIDS as well as other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Methamphetamine users have been shown to get the brunt of HIV/AIDS even more, as the virus attacks the users’ brain cells, causing greater damage compared to those with HIV/AIDS but are not using meth.

Aside from education about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, as well as spreading awareness to both and their links, is important in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

If you know someone who abuses drugs and may be involved in sharing needles or unsafe sex, let them know the increased risks of potentially contracting HIV/AIDS. Better yet, seek help: 09175098826.