artwork c/o ery burns

HIV Associated Risk

by Editor

Know The Facts

If you choose to take drugs you are making your body susceptible to a whole range of diseases and health problems – most notably HIV and AIDS, hepatitis and overdose.

Injecting drug users are extremely vulnerable. Sharing of equipment such as needles is considered a high risk activity, owing to the fact that it’s an easy way for someone else’s blood to enter your body. If one person injects themselves with drugs and then passes the same needle to you, you’re in effect, being given a mini blood transfusion.

If you choose to inject drugs then to reduce the risk of HIV infection you must always use new, sterile needles and syringes.

There is also the fact that drugs seriously impair your judgement. You are far more likely to make regrettable, and even dangerous, decisions when high. You might have sex with someone who you wouldn’t normally, and because you’re not thinking clearly, not use a condom. This then puts you at risk of contracting HIV and other nasty STIs.

Many people who are addicted to drugs will do anything to get money to pay for them. As you probably know they are very expensive and paying to keep up a habit can leave you with nothing. Unfortunately this is why some people resort to selling sex. There are a high number of drug users who are also sex workers. This can be a lethal combination... Many people who have reached this point are completely neglecting their bodies. Using clean needles and using condoms can fall off their radar, putting them in an extremely high risk category.

If either you or someone you know is taking, or addicted to drugs, seek help as soon as possible.