SUBSTANCE USE AND HIV/AIDS(PART TWO)
Last week we discussed the relationship between HIV/AIDS and mental health on the backdrop of the World AIDS Day commemoration. We will continue the discussion, this time around focusing on the relationship between substance use and HIV/AIDS.
There is a clear relationship between problematic substance use and HIV/AIDS. Several studies have associated problematic substance use with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Some substances are injected into the body for individuals to get the feel good effect. Unfortunately for some, they share needles which is one of the conduits for HIV transmission. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at least up to 10 % of global HIV infections are a direct result of injection drug use. Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs) have an increased likelihood of high risk sexual activity like unprotected sex because of altered judgement and diminished inhibition produced by the substances.
There is also documented evidence of individuals diagnosed with SUDs being involved in transactional sex. These individuals trade sex so that they are able to have money for drugs and also have multiple partners; consequently have increased risk for HIV. Individuals with chronic drug use have poor self-care. In instances when they have HIV and are also on anti-retroviral treatment, there may be instances of poor adherence or compliance to treatment largely associated with altered judgement. Poor self-care may also facilitate the development of
AIDS because of compromised immunity. SUDs themselves can also hasten progression to AIDS as they also affect multiple organs and systems in the body!
On the basis of the foregoing, HIV and substance use have been seen to have a close association. It is pivotal for addiction treatment services to be integrated into HIV care and/or medical services and vice-versa.
Clients who access addiction treatment services should be taught on HIV transmission as well as be capacitated on safe sex practices. HIV testing should be part of a larger grand plan for addiction and/or substance use treatment.