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Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse

HIV, Hepatitis and Other Infectious Diseases

Many addicts need to "hit bottom" before they seek help; Pedro was always able to find "a trap door". In 1986, however, at age 29, he found himself at a turning point when he discovered he was infected with the AIDS virus. "At the time I was high on heroin, so I didn't really get it. When the diagnosis finally sank in, it was a shocking wake-up call."

Source: Moyers on Addiction: Close to Home

Drug abuse not only weakens the immune system but is also linked to risky behaviors like needle sharing and unsafe sex. The combination greatly increases the likelihood of acquiring HIV-AIDS, hepatitis and many other infectious diseases.