HIV, Alcohol Abuse and Drugs
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a very real risk. Using alcohol and drugs may increase your risk. How?
What do drugs and alcohol have to do with HIV?
HIV is passed form person to person through semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk. Unprotected sex with an infected partner is the most common way HIV is passed. Alcohol and drugs can make it hard to think clearly. If you are not thinking clearly, you may make unsafe choices around sex.
You may have unprotected sex or take other risks that could increase your risk of HIV infection
Alcohol and drugs can make it hard to set limits
If you are high or drunk, you may say yes to sex when you mean to say no. Because alcohol and drugs change how you feel and act, you may be persuaded to have sex when you don't want to.
Alcohol and drugs can make it harder to practice safer sex
Studies show that when people are high or drunk, they are more likely to have sex without a condom. You may have a hard time asking for and insisting on safer sex. Or you may forget to use a condom.
Even if you use a condom, you may not use it correctly. If the condom leaks or breaks, you are more likely to become infected with HIV.
If you are drunk or high, you will have a higher risk of sexual violence
Many rapes occur when one or more of the people involved have been drinking or using drugs. Being drunk or high can make it harder for you to react in dangerous situations—making you more vulnerable to rape and HIV.
Sharing needles is risky
Sharing needles and syringes for injection drugs, steroids, or vitamins can transmit HIV. Sharing needles for body piercing and tattooing can also transmit HIV. You safest option is not to share needles. If you use needles, always use a new, clean needle for each person or clean them with bleach.
Take steps to stay safe
Two sure ways to avoid HIV are not having sex and not sharing needles. If you choose to have sex, always use a latex condom with a water-based lubricant. You are too important to risk HIV. Don't have sex if you feel out of control
If you have trouble staying safe
Drugs or alcohol may be the reason. Talk to a health care provider or counselor about getting help with drug and alcohol use.
Get more information about protecting yourself from HIV from the local health department, St. Maarten AIDS Foundation, the Red Cross or your health care provider.
The Turning Point Foundation (Located next to the Satellite Station opposite the St. Maarten University) Tel: 543-2131 have counselors available to help you with addiction problems. They also have different programs to help you control your addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous has weekly meetings at different locations. You will find their meeting points and times in the Agenda of the local newspaper. Tel: 557-1271 (day) or 544-3203 (evening)
