PAGE 11
HIV NUTRITION UPDATE
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1

(Continued from page 10)

Recreational Drug Use And Substance Abuse
Among HIV-Positive People

METH
Animals and in-vitro studies suggest that the use of METH can exacerbate HIV-induced brain damage. (7) PLWHIV on HAART have increased viral loads when using METH. (3) Find more information on the recreational drug crystal METH at the Body Positive web site.

Club Drugs
In vitro studies show the use of MDMA may increase the incidence of heart valve disease. (8) Scientific studies reveal that MDMA users are at risk for dehydration, hypertension, hyperthermia, and heart or kidney failure. (9) The drug also damages nerves in the brain's serotonin system and appears to produce long-term deficits in memory and cognition. Unborn children of MDMA users may suffer deleterious effects that last into adulthood. Protease inhibitors may interact with club drugs such as MDMA or gamma- hydroxybutyrate (GHB), amphetamines, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylmide (LSD), and phencyclidine (PCP). Besides club drugs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concerns about the safety of a popular oral testosterone precursor supplement (androstenedione).

Cocaine/Crack
People who use cocaine are more likely to suffer from HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases and other infections. (10) Preliminary studies reveal comprised immune systems in study participants receiving cocaine. Crack is a form of cocaine. Its use was first identified in the U.S. in Miami and New York City in the 1980s. In June of 1986, crack was identified as a major problem in metropolitan areas such as New York, Detroit, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The MEDLINEplus topic "Cocaine Abuse" has a wealth of information on this drug.
 
Heroin/Morphine
In test tube studies, exposure to opiates, such as morphine, increases macrophage susceptibility to HIV infection through the regulation of chemokines (intracellular messenger molecules) and HIV coreceptors. (2) Impaired monocyte-derived macrophage production of chemokines can help prevent infection by binding to HIV coreceptors. Spanish investigators recently found that mortality is a function of the length of drug use and HIV status. (11) People who start abusing intravenous heroin at an earlier age are at a greater risk of dying prematurely. Researchers also associated premature death among older HIV-positive people starting drug injection. HIV-positive IDUs benefit less than other risk groups from HAART. The risk of AIDS and death for IDUs decreased after HAART was available. (12) 
 

(Continued on page 12)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Copyright 2004 HIV ReSources, Inc. Sharing this newsletter in any form with non-subscribers is strictly prohibited. Library/Institution subscribers are permitted to share HIV Nutrition Update html newsletter pages with up to five (5) employees or volunteers. NO other redistribution allowed. 
 
Please Help To Keep This Page Updated By Notifying
The Webmaster If You Find A Link That's Outdated!
 
HIV ReSources, Inc.
PO Box 39385
Fort Lauderdale, FL
33339-9385
USA
 
© 2004  HIV ReSources, Inc.
Any use of the information presented herein is done strictly at your own risk.
No responsibility is implied or intended on the part of HIV ReSources Inc,
the editor, or the publisher. Information on this site should not
be construed as an endorsement of any kind.
 
8/4/2004