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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

In What Ways, If Any, Has Your HIV Affected How You Consume Alcohol?

myHIVteam asked a question 💭
San Francisco, CA
April 19, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members shared a wide spectrum of relationships with alcohol after their HIV diagnosis, from occasional social drinking without issues to... Read more

Members shared a wide spectrum of relationships with alcohol after their HIV diagnosis, from occasional social drinking without issues to complete sobriety driven by health concerns or past addiction struggles. Several members described practical reasons for reducing or eliminating alcohol, including liver strain from medications, hepatitis C complications, and the risk of non-adherence to treatment when drinking heavily, with many celebrating years of sobriety ranging from two to over thirty years. A recurring theme was the importance of self-awareness and intentional choices around alcohol, with many members emphasizing that staying healthy with HIV means knowing personal limits, prioritizing medication adherence, and making decisions rooted in self-love rather than guilt or shame.

A myHIVteam Member

I haven't had a drink in decades, but at least once a year I have a glass of beer with lunch and finish it off with a glass of water. Just outgrew drinking alcohol. So, doesn't affect me.

May 23, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

I had stopped drinking and drugging 5 years before I found out. But when I did find out, I must admit, I wanted a New Orleans Hurricane (living in New Orleans) but it was explained to me "What would a Hurricane do, for the situation?" After thinking a minute, I realized, either nothing or make matters worse. So I have over 30 years without alcohol.

April 25, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

I drink occasionally nowadays simply because.......I decided to have love myself, hence principled my life style. I came to realize that, the more I went out I will either not take my medication on time or l will not at all, and tomorrow l will get an excuse to miss my medication...before you realize a day became a week, and since you can't feel the effect for not taking your medication immidiately.Weeks develops into months always with an excuse that tomorrow you will take your meds before going out..and you forget then you convince yourself that whatever time you come back you will take your meds.....before you know you've become a defaulter....your viral level multiply twice and by the time you realize the situation is worse, it's when OIs starts hitting you and its already very to go back..........please its ok to have fun but realize that at some point you need your meds to remain healthy........it's a true story .

April 20, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

March 30, 2023 I celebrated 19 years clean and sober

April 19, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

When I was diagnosed in 2002, I quit consuming alcohol. I went 10 years without having to start a regimen.

September 8, 2023

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