HIV/AIDS HOTLINES

Substance use puts you at risk of HIV in three ways. Many people are infected with HIV by sharing hypodermic needles or other drug paraphernalia with someone infected with HIV. Others forget all about "safe sex" during a drunken or stoned sexual encounter. Lastly, a number of substances-including alcohol, cannabis, "speed," inhaled nitrates and cocaine-may suppress your immune system, making HIV infection more likely.

If you're one of the many who are HIV-positive and you're also an alcoholic or drug abuser, this is a good time to think about putting an end to your dependency. No, it's not easy-but it can be done! And you are much more likely to stick with your HIV medication and keep your HIV under control when you're clean and sober. People can change. If you're ready to make a change and live a long, healthy, productive life, here are some of your options.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is the granddaddy of all dependency treatment programs. Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous is an informal society of more than two million recovering alcoholics in the United States, Canada and other countries. These men and women meet in local groups, which range in size from a handful in smaller towns to hundreds in the larger cities. There are approximately 55,000 AA groups in the United States alone-which means there is one in just about every town, village and community in America, and dozens in the big cities.

Getting involved in Alcoholics Anonymous couldn't be easier. AA is free and open to anyone who has a desire to stop drinking. You can find a meeting in your area on the Internet, or by looking up "Alcoholics Anonymous" in the phone book. All you have to do is show up. Worried about your privacy? Don't be! As the name suggests, the organization is anonymous. There's no membership, no sign-up-nothing. People go by their first names only.

Narcotics Anonymous is an out-growth of Alcoholics Anonymous, and it operates in a very similar way. Many people drink and do drugs, so people very often attend meetings of both groups, or simply go to whichever meeting is closest or more convenient.

In-patient Treatment

Unlike Alcoholics Anonymous, which is free, in-patient residential programs for alcohol or drug treatment can be expensive. However, many AIDS Service Organizations can hook you up with a treatment program at no cost. An in-patient treatment program typically lasts for 28 days, and takes a comprehensive approach.

Here's what you can expect from a typical residential treatment program:

Detoxification and withdrawal. Your treatment may begin with a program of detoxification, usually taking about four to seven days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent delirium tremens or other withdrawal symptoms.

Medical assessment and treatment. A doctor will check you out for common medical problems related to chemical dependency, like high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, and liver and heart disease.

Psychological support and psychiatric treatment. Group and individual counseling and therapy are usually part of the treatment program. Many treatment programs also offer couples and family therapy, if appropriate.

An introduction to Alcoholics Anony­mous. Most in-patient programs incorporate the principles of Alcoholics Anony­mous, and encourage their patients to attend meetings after their in-patient treatment is done.

What about medications?

We're used to taking drugs to fix whatever is wrong with us. The arsenal of drugs available to treat chemical dependency is small, but it is starting to grow.

A drug called disulfiram (Antabuse) is sometimes used as a deterrent to drinking. Disulfiram doesn't cure alcoholism. But, if you take a drink of alcohol, it makes you feel terrible, with flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Naltrexone (ReVia), a drug long known to block the narcotic high, reduces the urge to drink. Acamprosate (Campral), an anti-craving medication, may help you combat alcohol cravings and remain abstinent from alcohol.

In June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable drug to treat alcohol dependence. Vivitrol, a version of the drug naltrexone, is injected in the butt once a month by your doctor. It may reduce the urge to drink by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain thought to be associated with alcohol dependence. Vivitrol doesn't affect alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It's intended for people with alcoholism who are receiving counseling and who haven't had a drink for at least a week. Although similar medication can be taken in pill form, the injectable version of the drug may be easier for people recovering from alcohol dependence to use consistently.

Many people treat their positive HIV test as a "wake-up call," and use it as motivation to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Getting clean and sober is up to you. Millions of people have overcome chemical dependency in the past, and you can, too! Help is available-if you want it.

Copyright 2010, Positive Health Publications, Inc.

This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!