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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

3 Risk Factors for Contracting HIV

by Valerie Stevens

HIV is a serious virus that can lead to AIDS if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the risk factors for contracting HIV so that you can take steps to protect yourself. In this informative article, you will discover three risk factors for contracting HIV. Knowledge is power, and understanding these risk factors will help you stay safe and healthy.

Here are three of the risk factors for contracting HIV:

1) Having Unprotected Sex

If you have unprotected sex, you are at risk of contracting HIV. This is because the virus can be transmitted through sexual fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluid. If you are not using a condom, there is a chance that HIV could enter your body through cuts or sores on your skin.

You can reduce your risk of contracting HIV by using protection during intimate activities. HIV prevention may also include taking pills or supplements recommended by your medical team.

2) Sharing Medical Equipment

Whenever possible, avoid sharing personal medical equipment with others, especially if it's designed for one-time use. This includes diabetic syringes, needles, and lancets. If you must share equipment, make sure it's cleaned with bleach or another disinfectant before using it. Ask your doctor if this is okay first, though.

You can also reduce your risk of contracting HIV by getting a new needle for each injection. Avoid sharing straws, toothbrushes, or razors as well. Saliva and tiny particles of blood may end up on these items, making it easy to transmit HIV and other viruses.

3) Working in the Healthcare Field

If you are a healthcare worker, you may find yourself exposed to many viruses, including HIV. That's why HIV prevention is so important in this field. There are several ways you can reduce your risk, such as wearing gloves when handling blood or bodily fluids. You should also consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Other ways to protect yourself and your patients while you are at work include washing your hands often and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. You can also avoid contracting HIV by being careful when you work with needles and other sharp objects. Be sure to dispose of them properly in a "sharps" container.

If you have any questions about HIV prevention, be sure to ask your doctor or another healthcare professional. These are just three of the risk factors for contracting HIV. f you think you may be at risk, make an appointment with your doctor to get tested. And if you have any questions about trying an HIV prevention pill, don't hesitate to ask a healthcare expert.

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