HIV
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Many addicts need to "hit bottom"
before they seek help; Pedro was always able to find "a trap door". In
1986, however, at age 29, he found himself at a turning point when he
discovered he was infected with the AIDS virus. "At the time I was high
on heroin, so I didn't really get it. When the diagnosis finally sank
in, it was a shocking wake-up call."
Source:
Moyers on Addiction: Close to Home
**Standard Text Messages Rates May Be Charged To Your Phone Bill.
What is HIV?
HIV – the Human Immunodeficiency Virus – is the living organism that causes AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS – the Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome – is a combination of symptoms and illnesses that is caused by HIV infection and the resulting damage to a person’s immune system (the body’s disease fighting network).
How can someone get HIV/AIDS?
HIV/AIDS is mainly spread:
· Through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an HIV positive person.
· By sharing needles with an HIV infected (positive) person when using drugs.
· From an HIV positive mother to her baby before, during or after birth (breast feeding).
What Can I do about HIV/AIDS?
· Learn the facts about HIV/AIDS.
It is not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk for HIV/AIDS.
· Delay sex when not in a monogamous relationship.
· Always use a non-porous (latex or polyurethane) barrier
(condoms, dental dams) when having sex.
· Do not share needles for drugs or anything else.
· If you are addicted to alcohol or other drugs get
treatment.
· Learn your HIV status with an HIV lab test.
CAP offers FREE HIV counseling, testing, and education to all clients!
Call 334-323-3209
For more information on HIV/AIDS call CAP’s HIV/AIDS Specialist at 334-323-3209 or contact one of the following organizations or websites:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/ Federal Government website for HIV/AIDS Information
https://www.istandwithmagic.com/ Magic Johnson Interview
http://www.thebody.com/african_american/profiles/bdatcher.html HIV/AIDS Info
http://www.hivtest.org/ Find free HIV testing locations near you
http://www.gmad.org/index.html Gay Men of African Decent
http://poz.com/ POZ Magazine
http://adph.org/aids/ Alabama Department of Health