HIV 101 - Project Neon

HIV 101

Are you concerned about the impact of your drug use on your health? If you said yes, then read on.

This section is intended for HIV+ gay and bisexual men who use crystal and other party drugs. If you are HIV+, frequent use of party drugs may have a negative impact on your health. Science has proven that the use of some legal and illegal drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, can weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system is going to make it harder for your body to fight off infections and tumors.

Also, many drug users find it difficult to Eat, Drink, & Sleep when they're high. Not taking proper care of your body's basic needs will further weaken your body's natural defenses. Have you noticed that you're more likely to catch a cold after a weekend run? And, lowering your body's natural defenses is going to make it more likely that you'll pick up a sexually transmitted disease, if you have sex that's risky.
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When you shoot drugs, impurities and bacteria go directly into your blood stream along with the drug. This can be as harmful for your immune system as the drugs themselves. If you are going to inject, remember Do Not Share or reuse any drug injection equipment, including syringes, cottons, cookers, water, water bottles, or tourniquets.

Not everyone who is HIV+ will have health problems because of their drug use. Still, the best advice if you're HIV+ is to stop or cut back on your use of crystal and other party drugs. NEON realizes that some of you aren't ready or don't want to stop partying... that's just not where you are in your life. So, if you are going to continue partying, read on to learn more about how you can reduce the harm that drug use can have on your health and well being.