CAN I GET HIV FROM USING OTHER KINDS OF DRUGS?

The answer to this is NO, and at the same time, YES.

NO, because no drug in itself can cause HIV/AIDS.

YES, but not directly.

As earlier stated, no drug in itself can cause HIV/AIDS, but some drugs indirectly predispose an individual to greater risks.

Let's take a look at some of these drugs. . .

There are many drugs that people use or abuse occasionally.

The most common one is alcohol (in beer, wine, or liquor).

Others include:

Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, Amphetamines, Ketamine and Ecstasy.

These drugs do not only increases someone's risk of getting HIV, they can also cause special problems/complications for people who are already HIV infected.

HOW DO THESE DRUGS INCREASES ONE'S RISK OF CONTRACTING HIV/AIDS?

●     ALCOHOL can alter people's judgment. Being drunk affects one's ability to make safe choices and lowers one's inhibitions, which may lead to take risks such as having sex without a condom.

People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are often malnourished. Poor nutrition can be a serious problem for people with HIV, and may make them become sick faster.

●     METHAMPHETAMINE (meth) 

Meth is a very addictive stimulant that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Even though using Meth is an HIV risk factor for anyone who does it, there is a strong link between Meth use and HIV transmission for men who have sex with men. Such men who use meth may increase their sexual and drug-use risk factors and they may Use condoms less often.

●     SHARING NEEDLES to inject drugs (such as heroin, speed, or anabolic steroids) is VERY dangerous and can easily spread HIV (and other serious diseases) from one person to another.

●     COCAINE 

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. The powdered form of cocaine is either inhaled through the nose (snorted), or dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream. Crack is a form of cocaine that has been processed to make a rock crystal that users smoke.

Using crack cocaine puts you at risk for contracting HIV because crack impairs your judgment, which can lead to risky sexual behaviour.

Some people who are addicted to drugs may trade sex for drugs or money to get more drugs. This may put them at greater risk of HIV, especially if they do not always practice safe sex.

These drugs do not only increases someone's risk of getting HIV, they can also cause special problems/complications for people who are already HIV infected.

#ITSABOUTTIME

#STAYHEALTHY