Choosing to talk to your healthcare team about recreational drugs is the first step towards ensuring it does not affect your HIV. They can help you to limit the chances of your HIV medicines interacting with recreational drugs. Here you will find what you need to know about recreational drugs and HIV including helpful tips to ensure you maintain a strong immune system.
If you choose to take recreational drugs, it’s important to be upfront with your healthcare team to make sure you are aware of the impact the drugs can have on your health and how they might interact with your HIV medication.
If your HIV medication requires the use of a chemical in it called a ‘booster’ you should speak to your healthcare team about your recreational drug use because:
As new recreational drugs become available, it is difficult to predict the potential interactions – that’s why it’s important to be upfront with your healthcare team about your drug use.
Always use your own clean equipment if you are injecting drugs; do not share a needle, spoon or equipment with others as this can be dangerous for you and the people you are sharing with:
You might feel uncomfortable talking to your healthcare team about the recreational drugs you’re using, but they are very used to having these conversations.
It is safer to tell them so they can identify any impact on your treatment and overall health and wellbeing. Ultimately the best way to lower your risk is to cut down on the amount of recreational drugs you’re using, and eventually stop altogether. Talk to your healthcare team about what you can do if you do decide to stop.
Why is it important to talk to your healthcare team about recreational drug use?
Both answers are correct. It is important to be upfront with your healthcare professional team about your drug use because some HIV medicines boost recreational drugs (such as ketamine, crystal meth and MDMA) to a dangerous extent. If you are injecting drugs it is important to not share needles to protect your health and the health of others.
Both answers are correct. It is important to be upfront with your healthcare professional team about your drug use because some HIV medicines boost recreational drugs (such as ketamine, crystal meth and MDMA) to a dangerous extent. If you are injecting drugs it is important to not share needles to protect your health and the health of others.
Ask the right questions at your next HIV appointment
To find out what else you can do to take care of your sexual health as a cis- or transwoman and live well with HIV, click on the boxes below:
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