Can I Drink Alcohol With When Starting HIV Meds

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Ask the Experts

HIV and drinking (asymptomatic or on meds)

Hi Nelson,As a heavy drinker, I am aware of the effects alcohol has on the body of healthy (HIV negative) people. I used to get the sniffles, diarhea in the mornings, and noticed colds develop after drinking for 12 hours straight, then having to...

Response from Nelson Vergel, B.S.Ch.E., M.B.A.

Program for Wellness Restoration

In an article published by Reuters Health on April 26, 2001 it was reported that, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 2001, researchers from the University of Miami presented their findings on the impact of heavy... Read more »

Clarify what amount of alcohol: Re: I'm not on meds...can I take alcohol?

Hi Doc, I like your answer regarding alcohol, however, I find some people don't realize how... Read more »

Response from David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W. »

What's an optimum duration between taking your meds and having a drink?

I understand that no or low alcohol with HIV meds is the desirable choice. My partner is starting... Read more »

Response from David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

When I Started HIV Meds: Step by Step on a Difficult Road

Lillibeth Gonzalez I was diagnosed with HIV in July 1992. Before starting HIV treatment, my T cells were 868 and I was in great shape, but I was angry at myself for trusting my husband and not wearing protection. I thought I was going to die,... Read more »

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange

"Heavy" Alcohol Use Affects the Effectiveness of Anti-HIV Meds

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, researchers from the University of Miami presented their findings on the impact of heavy alcohol use on anti-HIV therapy. The researchers analysed data from 220 HIV positive... Read more »

International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care

The Role of Alcohol and Drug Relapse Prevention in the Treatment and Prevention of HIV Disease

Although HIV disease and alcohol and drug abuse are distinct illnesses, each profoundly affects the other. Alcohol and drug abuse have been associated with high-risk sexual behavior such as unprotected sexual activity. (1-7 ) Although the... Read more »

How You Can Recognize Signs that You May be Abusing Alcohol

If you are like many Americans, you may drink alcohol occasionally. Or, like others, you may drink moderate amounts of alcohol on a more regular basis. If you are a woman or someone over the age of 65, this means that you have no more than one drink... Read more »

Connect With Others

DRINKING AND DRIVING THE MEDS!

Posted by Anonymous, 6 Replies

So first of all, I know this is a question for my doc, but thought I'd at least get a perspective on here from the people that actualy feel what I feel. I began taking meds several months ago and have been gliding smoothly along. I am a very social... Read more »

Alcohol and HIV

Posted by wonderbread, 2 Replies

Hey all! I have been posative for about twenty months now. I am not taking any med yet but was wondering about alcohol. Some time I like to come home and a few beer after work or with friends on friday night but have been noticing that over the last... Read more »

HIV and drinking

Posted by Anonymous, 5 Replies

I am so depressed and am drinking large amounts of alcohol. I am at wits end and also have severe back pain.
Is it true that alcohol speeds HIV to AIDS?? Read more »

HIV, alcohol and patience.

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

I am so worried about being impatient about everthing! I drink alcohol daily and take sustiva and combivir.
Will alcohol and also zoloft for depression interact with the alcohol??? I work the afternoon shift and find it hard to get out of bed. HELP! Read more »

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