Avoiding Drugs & Alcohol

Individuals diagnosed with HIV can expect to live nearly as long as those who are not infected with the virus, if they receive appropriate health care and lead a healthy lifestyle.

In fact, some HIV-positive individuals are more likely to die from alcohol use, COPD (lung changes from smoking) and drug overdoses than from HIV-related complications.

HIV-positive individuals should be aware that:

  • Using drugs, alcohol and smoking can affect long-term quality of life. (Learn more about our addiction treatment services.)
  • Drug and alcohol use are major factors in the spread of HIV infection
  • People with HIV are more likely to smoke than healthy people
  • In people with HIV, smoking can make it more difficult to fight off serious infections

FAQs about Drugs and Alcohol



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San Diego's Premier HIV Care Clinic The Owen Clinic

The Owen Clinic, established in 1982, is the largest, most comprehensive primary care center in San Diego for individuals living with HIV. Each year our physicians, nurses, social workers and pharmacists care for, counsel, educate and support more than 3,000 people. The Owen Clinic also trains medical students on how to deliver exceptional care to those living with HIV/AIDS.

Owen Clinic for HIV Care