In this section, we tackle the why, when and how of HIV treatment. Along with questions like "When should I start?" we also suggest some ways you can prepare for HIV treatment.

• Drug treatment is just one important part of an overall plan for staying healthy, as you'll learn in There's More to Health Than ART. Looking after every aspect of your health -- physical, mental, emotional, sexual and spiritual -- is just as important.
• Working With Your Doctor is about building a good relationship with your doctor and the other members of your healthcare team.
• We then begin our journey into the world of HIV Treatment. Antiretroviral drugs are used to slow the damage HIV does to the body. These drugs must be chosen carefully and used correctly.
• Most people with HIV eventually have to start taking HIV treatment. The main goal is to start treatment early enough to avoid HIV-related health problems. When to Start looks at what's involved in this decision.
• Before you start treatment, it can be helpful to work through your feelings about taking antiretroviral medications and some of the practical issues involved. Preparing to Start Treatment includes some tools to help you do this.
• In Choosing a Drug Combination, we let you know that although there are many antiretroviral drugs and many possible combinations, most people are able to start with one of a few "preferred" drug combinations. You may have to choose certain drugs and avoid others, based on your health conditions and other factors.