If you're HIV positive, the physical stress of using some drugs can weaken your immune system's ability to fight off HIV. This may come from not eating, not getting enough sleep, and physically exerting yourself too much. This is especially true if you're using crystal. If you're taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs), you should be aware that street drugs could interact with your meds. Protease inhibitors (PIs) affect the way your system processes certain drugs. Crystal, ecstasy, GHB, and Viagra, for example, take longer to clear and can build up over time. This can potentially cause you to overdose the next time you take drugs.

Also, when you're high you might forget to take your ARVs, which can allow the virus to progress more rapidly. Drugs impair your judgment. Keep condoms and lube handy, and remember to use them. Keep your partners, and your self, safe!