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Alcohol and substance abuse and HIV risk

• More information on alcohol and substance abuse and HIV risk

Women who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to get HIV. One main reason for this is that anyone who uses drugs and alcohol is more likely to have risky sex. Risky sex can include:

• Having sex without a condom. Women who are intoxicated are less likely to convince a partner to practice safer sex.
• Having sex with someone when you don't know their HIV status

Women who use intravenous (IV) drugs may share needles, which, after sex, is the main way HIV is spread. Also, women who drink alcohol or use drugs may be at higher risk of sexual assault or rape. Forced sex with any partner puts you at risk of HIV. If you are raped, you need to see a doctor immediately.

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More information on Alcohol and substance abuse and HIV risk

Explore other publications and websites

• Drugs + HIV > Learn the Link - This website has interactive ways for teens to learn how drugs and alcohol abuse can be linked to HIV.
  http://hiv.drugabuse.gov/
• Drugs, Alcohol and HIV/AIDS: A Consumer Guide - Drug and alcohol use can increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV. This publication provides resources for people who want to stop alcohol and drug abuse.
  http://www.kap.samhsa.gov/products/brochures/pdfs/HIVBroch(General).pdf
• Drugs, Alcohol, and HIV - If you are HIV-positive, you might be wondering what alcohol and drugs will do to your body. Use this website to read about how drugs and alcohol will affect your overall health with HIV.
  http://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/alcohol-drugs/index.asp
• NIDA InfoFacts: Drug Abuse and the link to HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases - This publication describes what HIV is, how it is spread, and how other infections spread through IV drug use can also increase a person’s risk of HIV infection.
  http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/drugabuse.html
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator - This website will help you locate a substance abuse treatment facility in your area.
  http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

Connect with other organizations

• AIDS InfoNet
  http://www.aidsinfonet.org/index.php
• American Psychological Association
  http://apa.org/
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
• Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention, CDC, HHS
  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm
• HIV/AIDS Programs, HRSA, HHS
  http://hab.hrsa.gov/
• National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, HHS
  http://www.drugabuse.gov/
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  http://www.samhsa.gov/

Content last updated July 01, 2011.

Resources last updated July 01, 2011.

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