Drug use increases risk for getting or passing on viral infections because certain viruses can spread through blood or body fluids shared in drug use and related activity. This happens with men and women, primarily in two ways: (1) when people inject drugs and share needles or other drug equipment, and (2) when drugs impair judgment and people have unprotected sex with a person living with HIV. NIDA’s AIDS Research Program supports an innovative and multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS research portfolio.
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Related Content
Related Resources
- NIDA for Teens Drug Facts on Viral Infections (HIV, Hepatitis) and Drug Use - Offers resources for teens and teen influencers. Get the latest on how drugs affect the brain and body. Features videos, games, blog posts, and more!
- Easy-to-Read Drug Facts on the Link Between Drug Use and HIV - Has pictures and videos to help readers understand the text. The website also can read each page out loud.
- NIH Director’s Blog on HIV
- Learn the Link - Find out the connection between drug use and the spread of the HIV infection
- HIV and Injection Drug Use (Syringe Services Programs for HIV Prevention [CDC])
- Harm Reduction (NIAID)
- Jack and Jill (Public Service Announcement)
- Message from the NIDA Director - HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse - World AIDS Day 2011
- International AIDS Conference - July 18 to 23, 2010
- Drug Abuse and Risky Behaviors: The Evolving Dynamics of HIV AIDS - Meeting on May 8-9, 2007
- For additional information on HIV/AIDS, please visit:
Other Resources
- MEDLINEplus Health Information on Drug Abuse (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
- Healthfinder.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIH-sponsored clinical trials available to you.
- NIDA Clinical Trial Locator - answer a few simple questions and get contact information for Clinical Trials near you.