Drug Rehab for HIV and AIDS Patients

Because so many contract HIV due to their drug addiction, it is a sad fact that addiction and HIV/AIDS often go hand in hand. Whether the virus was contracted through sharing needles during intravenous drug use or by having sex with someone who is HIV positive while under the influence, one thing is true: the realization that you have HIV/AIDS does not make your issues with drug addiction obsolete. On the contrary, the fear and depression that accompany an HIV diagnosis can often send your drug use and abuse into an uncontrollable tail spin.

If you are HIV positive and addicted to drugs, the need for drug rehab has never been more immediate. The negative drug interactions caused by mixing certain drugs with your HIV medication, the increased risk for medical complications and psychological disorders as well as the usual risk of overdose are but a few reasons why you need to contact us at The Canyon if you are suffering from HIV/AIDS and need drug rehab.

Back to Top

Why Drug Rehab is Necessary for HIV and AIDS Patients Addicted to Drugs and Alcohol

It's not just hard or illegal drugs that can cause problems for someone who suffers from HIV and AIDS. Even alcohol consumption can be a deadly combination with the virus. An already lowered immune system is compromised even more in the presence of alcohol and other drugs, leaving you open to a number of infections that cause complications for those who are HIV positive including hepatitis C, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Also, AIDS-related brain damage and dementia can be made worse by substances like alcohol, heroin, crystal methamphetamine and more.

Even worse, perhaps, is the conflict that drugs and alcohol create when taken in combination with highly active antiretroviral therapy, also known as HAART. HAART is a combination of powerful antiviral medications, which increases the survival rate of those with HIV. Research has shown that those who use drugs and alcohol while they are on a HAART regimen tend not to take their medication regularly, which decreases the effectiveness of the therapy. Even in those who do take their antiretroviral medication as directed, the efficacy is diminished in the presence of drugs and alcohol.

The upside to this is that studies also show that those who stop drinking and using drug show significant improvement in the HIV therapy. At The Canyon, we can help you break your addiction to drugs and alcohol and learn to live a healthy life with HIV.

Back to Top

The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Depressive Disorders Among HIV and AIDS Patients in Drug Rehab

Just as drug addiction is a common problem for those who are HIV positive, so, too, is the prevalence of co-occurring psychological disorders in HIV and AIDS patients. Depression, disease-related dementia, drug-induced psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are but a few issues commonly faced by HIV positive who also suffer from drug and alcohol abuse. In fact, a recent study at two urban HIV-treatment centers showed that about 73 percent of HIV patients met the criteria for major depressive disorder, or MDD. That means that almost three out of four HIV and AIDS patients need treatment for depression in addition to their medical issues.

At The Canyon, our Master's level staff are equipped to help you handle your drug addiction issues while simultaneously treating co-occurring disorders.

Back to Top

Drug Rehab for HIV and AIDS Patients at The Canyon

The Healing Life Program at The Canyon is an all-encompassing program designed to meet the psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of those who are grappling with the multiple problems of HIV, depression/psychological issues and drug addiction. Traditional and alternative therapies are available to treat the body and the mind simultaneously while detox facilities, nutritious cuisine, yoga and meditation treat the physical manifestations of depression and addiction.

If you would like more information about drug rehab for HIV and AIDS patients, contact us at The Canyon today at .

Back to Top