We’ve talked about the national addiction epidemic the United States faces. It’s a multifaceted epidemic that includes prescription drug abuse, illicit drug abuse, and even over-the-counter drug abuse. While this alone is a major challenge to overcome, it’s laced with what the National Institute on Drug Abuse calls an inextricable link between HIV and addiction.
What Is HIV?
You’ve no doubt heard of HIV or HIV/AIDS. While many link it to sexual activity, HIV is one of the biggest risks for illicit drug abusers.
HIV is the acronym for human immunodeficiency virus. As the name indicates, people who contract HIV suffer from severely damaged immune systems. The virus infects the body’s immune cells, causing them to produce more of the HIV and eventually destroys the immune system’s CD4+ T cells.
Although the virus can be spread by carriers through unprotected sex, the sharing of injections is also a leading cause of HIV contraction. Research has proven that the widespread and worldwide transmission of HIV is directly related to injecting drugs, one of the leading kinds being heroin.
Heroin Users and HIV
The number of heroin users nationwide is on the rise. While the use of the drug itself does not increase a person’s risk of contracting any virus or disease, the activities and behaviors that come with heroin use lend themselves heavily to HIV exposure. Addicts often share and reuse syringes or other injection paraphernalia with little regard to sterilization, and even if such delivery methods are sterilized, this does not exclude the possibility of exposure to a virus.
Unprotected sex, whether voluntary or not, is par for the course in the world of drug addiction. In some cases, partners who engage in sexual activity while experiencing a high don’t even think about safe sex. The result? Increased exposure risks to HIV/AIDS and other conditions such as hepatitis B and C.
In addition to these risk factors, heroin users are known to have co-occurring conditions. Their addiction may be amplified by a mental illness, social dysfunction, or a stigma, all of which can push bad decision making and ultimately increase the risk of contact with a person carrying HIV.
Casual Users Are Also At Risk
Interestingly, the casual heroin user is also at an elevated risk of HIV exposure. According to numerous studies, casual users don’t remain casual for long. And just one injection from a tainted syringe can be all it takes for someone to contract HIV.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. While several treatments are available, the virus will only continue to weaken the immune system until the body is left defenseless against common illnesses. Eventually, HIV leads to a life of sickness followed by an often premature death.
The link between drug users and HIV is undeniable. The best defense is to avoid using drugs. If you’re struggling with heroin or another drug addiction, it’s not too late to get qualified help. We can help you overcome the drugs and decrease your risk of contracting HIV. Contact us today!