'Tis the Season for Adherence: Holiday Tips for Living Well With HIV

Mixing Cocktails With Your Cocktail

Many HIV-positive individuals on treatment skip taking their meds if they plan to drink, under the false belief that mixing meds and alcohol is harmful. During the holidays, it's hard to go to a party, or even home for the holidays, without someone thrusting some alcoholic eggnog or cider in your face. Guess what: If you choose to drink, you don't have to worry! The main point is to stay adherent, regardless of what you're drinking.

"There are many who hold the belief, not only those with HIV infection but those with other chronic diseases, that if they mix their medications with alcohol it creates a toxic poison that is harmful. ... However, there is no evidence that mixing alcohol [with antiretroviral medications] increases the harm of the alcohol itself."

Read more about alcohol and adherence to HIV meds.