There's no denying it, club drugs are part of the "party scene". That is not to say everyone who goes to circuit parties and dances the night away to trance music gets high, but clearly some people do use drugs recreationally. For the person living with HIV disease, the decision to use some of the more popular "alphabet," type drugs should be carefully balanced with possible associated health risks.
According to a recent report released by Project Inform in San Francisco, using drugs such as "K, X, G," (and others) can be dangerous for HIV + people. Rather than repeat the failed message of "Just Say No" from the 80's, an educational approach is in order.
A Closer Look
Cocaine (Coke, Blow)
In test tubes, research has shown that the HIV virus nearly doubles its rate of viral replication, meaning it may speed up how quickly an HIV positive person gets sick.
GHB (G, Liquid X) - {March 1, 2002 Edition of the Journal of Science)
GHB is potentially dangerous with the anti-HIV viral medication NORVIR and other protease inhibitors. More studies are being done on "G," however we already know that taking this popular club drug lowers a persons inhibitions and can have terrible consequences. For the HIV positive person, having sex with another HIVer may mean exposure to a different strain of the virus, which ultimately can lead to MDR (multi-drug resistance) to anti-HIV medications.
Ketamine (Special K)
When combined with anti-viral drug NORVIR, "K," can lead to chemical hepatitis, a very serious inflammation of the liver resulting in jaundice. Liver problems should be avoided at all costs for HIV+ persons, as this organ is charged with absorbing nutrients from food, blood detoxification and purification.
Ecstasy (X, MDMA)
There has already been a death in England resulting from a regular dose of "X," taken with NORVIR. NORVIR acts to slow down the liver enzyme that breaks down X, so it makes the does 5-10 times stronger. In the white population, approximately 3-10% of people have a deficiency with this enzyme, which may explain why some people overdose and others do not (other population's data is not known at this time). If you do take X with a protease inhibitor, wait as long as possible after taking the anti-HIV medication before you take X and try to be with someone that knows what you have done in case of emergency. Remember, liver damage is often irreversible so it is best to avoid mixing these drugs all together!
Crystal Meth (Tina, Tweak, Ice, Crank)
This drug has serious health consequences for HIV positive and negative people. Overuse of this drug can bring about paranoia, short term memory loss, wild rages, and damage to the immune system. Some people have died after taking small doses. For the HIV positive person, research has shown NORVIR increases amphetamine levels by a factor of 2-3.
Ongoing studies are still being done regarding the affects of "club drugs," in HIV positive people. Educate yourself about the harmful affects these drugs have to your immune system. Talk to your doctor honestly about anti-HIV medications & how they interact with any club drugs you may be using.
Remember, the best defense against illness prevention is knowledge. So go out, enjoy having fun with your friends and dance the night away - -just make sure you are armed with the right information to make healthy decisions.
