• Drug and alcohol abuse makes you lose your self-control or inhibition and the ability to make sound decisions, such that you do not feel shy to engage in embarrassing behavior.

• Intoxication diminishes your perception of risk. In this carefree state of mind, you can engage in reckless sexual activity with a high risk of HIV infection.

• Since Kenya’s HIV prevalence now stands at 7.8%, any risky sexual behaviour as a result of intoxication may predispose you to HIV infection.

Alcohol and drug abuse puts you at risk of HIV infection

• Intoxication gives you a false belief of enhanced sexual arousal and performance. This excitement or ‘high’ and accompanying false courage often leads to risky sexual behavior.

• You are likely to engage in high-risk sexual activity that involves ‘sleeping around’ with multiple sex partners, engaging in unprotected sexual activity and exchanging sex for money or drugs.

• An estimated 10% of global HIV infections also result from injecting drug use with contaminated needles and syringes.

• “Flash” blood exchange, which involves drawing blood from a person who has just injected him/herself with drugs and injecting yourself with the drawn blood is a serious and common behaviour among injecting drug users that leads to HIV infection.

Breaking the infection cycle

• HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of ill health and death among persons aged between 15 and 64 years in Kenya.

• Understanding the risks associated with alcohol and drug intoxication will help you adopt preventive strategies and measures.

• Plan your spare time to include meaningful participation in safe activities such as games, drama, reading and any other hobbies.

• Critically appraise your life situation by anticipating the consequences of every action you take or choice you make.

• If you have a problem of alcohol or drugs dependence, seek treatment or help from qualified persons.