Alcohol use in HIV patients: what we don't know may hurt us

Abstract

Our objectives are to evaluate the prevalence of and problems associated with alcohol use disorders among HIV patients. We review the literature on alcohol use and HIV. Rates of alcohol use disorders are high among HIV patients. The cooccurrence of alcohol use disorders and HIV may lead to medical and psychiatric complications, difficulties with HIV medication compliance, and poorer treatment outcomes. Additionally, alcohol use is associated with risky sexual behaviours and intravenous drug use, the 2 major modes of HIV transmission. Recommendations for screening and treating alcohol problems in HIV patients are provided.