HIV and AIDS

HIV and AIDS Complicated by Addiction

If you're suffering from an addiction and have HIV and AIDS, there are dual diagnosis treatment centers ready to help you NOW. Your addiction is an illness that is also slowly destroying your body. You’re sick, and this mental illness is taking over your life, perhaps hurting the people closest to you as well as yourself. You can feel its power over you, and you know it’s time to break this bond, but you don’t know how. Recovery Connection is here to help you deal with your diagnosis of HIV and AIDS and get you help for your addictions.

What is HIV and AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by, or is the result of, the Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV). The virus, HIV, attacks and destroys certain white blood cells, which are part of the body's immune system. These destroyed cells are what we need to fight off infections.

HIV and AIDS Affects the Immune System

AIDS is the end stage of the illness and occurs when the majority of white blood cells have been destroyed by HIV. This has a devastating effect on the immune system which can no longer fight off infection. Fortunately there are medications to manage HIV and AIDS infections and drugs to slow the growth of HIV. But to date, there are no cures and in many cases the illness is fatal. New HIV treatments are continually being developed in the hopes of some day obliterating AIDS and HIV completely.

The Spread of HIV

HIV is spread through the transmission of body fluids such as semen, blood or vaginal secretions. The fluid can be transferred through broken skin, mucous membranes, sexual contact where one member penetrates the other, or through surgery or injection. Expecting mothers should know that they can spread HIV to their babies while pregnant, as well as, through breast feeding. It is important to understand that the use of drugs and alcohol tend to promote several behaviors; promiscuous and unprotected sex, the sharing of needles or the use of un-sterilized needles to inject various drugs. These are a few of the reasons so many addicts and alcoholics become HIV positive.

Please keep in mind, that someone cannot get HIV through casual contact, sharing a meal, holding hands or even hugging. We bring this to your attention to alleviate any fears a person may have and to provide you with accurate information regarding HIV and AIDS. Prevention, education, drug and alcohol abstinence and the practice of safe sex are the keys to remaining abstinent of HIV.

Drug Addiction Due To A Positive HIV Test

Testing positive for HIV can be a very scary and stressful time. A positive HIV diagnosis can cause feelings of anger, fear and confusion. Many individuals go through denial, guilt and depression. As a result of these intense feelings and or dealing with HIV or AIDS symptoms, many people have been known to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to "numb out" or avoid dealing with the situation. Decisions such as these can and many times do, result in addiction or alcoholism, which can further reduce the effectiveness of the person's immune system. In addition to a person's immune system being compromised by addiction, many people addicted to drugs or alcohol, take their HIV medication in consistently. This action further compromises their chances of achieving a quality recovery.

Nutritional deficiencies and infections that are HIV and AIDS symptoms (the result of AIDS) have been known to cause problems in the brain's ability to function. Doctor's refer to this condition as AIDS Dementia Complex.

AIDS Dementia Complex Symptoms:

Slurred speech
Change in speech patterns
Slowed thinking
Difficulty in finding words
Muscle weakness
Confusion and forgetfulness
Loss of concentration

HIV and AIDS are treatable conditions. There are breakthroughs with encouraging results all the time. If you are engaging in high risk behavior, make sure you get tested. If you have tested positive or feel you might be ill, see your physician immediately.

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If you believe you or someone you know needs help with a drug addiction, or for immediate assistance finding drug rehab centers please call Recovery Connection now at 1-800-99-DETOX. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don't wait - GET HELP NOW!

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