Drug use

The term “drugs” can refer to various substances. The spectrum stretches from alcohol to cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy to heroin.

Abusing drugs can severely damage your health. Informing yourself thoroughly about the effects and side effects can reduce the risk.

People with HIV should also know how drugs could affect their therapy. Some drugs can namely decrease the effectiveness of HIV medications. By the same token, HIV medications can increase the effects of drugs – making them even fatal in some cases!

HIV, hepatitis and other infections can also be transmitted when shooting up and snorting (inhaling) drugs. Following the rules for safer use can protect you.

If nothing else, drugs can lead to a decreased awareness of the risks involved. People high on drugs are no longer in a position to protect themselves or others from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.