HIV and Addiction
- It was recently reported that more than 50% of new HIV Infections occur when people are under the influence of alcohol or some other mind-altering substance.
- A third of the 1.2 million Americans with HIV currently use drugs or binge on alcohol.
- According to CDC, injection drug use contributed to more than 20 percent of recorded HIV cases.
- CDC: Alcohol and other drugs can affect a person’s judgment and increase risk of getting or transmitting HIV.
- 25% of all persons with HIV are in need of substance abuse treatment.
- Currently in the USA there are no dedicated residential substance abuse treatment facilities for HIV+ patients.
- According to NSDUH, 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017.
- And 8.5 million American adults in 2017 suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorders.
- Commonly used substances and HIV risk include: alcohol, opioids, methamphetamines, crack cocaine, and inhalants.
LGBTQ+ and Addiction:
- Substance use disorders affect 20-30% of the LGBTQ+ population, compared to 9% of the general population.
- Common psychological or emotional disorders among the LGBTQ+ community include: major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, high levels of stress, and suicide attempts or self-harming tendencies.
- LGBTQ+ college students have higher rates of substance use than heterosexual students.
- While the LGBTQ+ community has a higher incidence of substance use than heterosexuals, they also tend to seek treatment at a significantly higher rate.
- A National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism report mentioned that stigma, intolerance and open discrimination were the most substantial barriers to substance abuse prevention and treatment among the LGBTQ+ community.
- According to a SAMHSA guide on LGBTQ+ substance abuse treatment, LGBTQ+ individuals respond the best to treatment programs that are sensitive to their unique needs.
- 50% of LGBTQ+ people admitted to having difficulties seeking health coverage while 75% percent revealed that they faced discrimination in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. Do I qualify for assistance from Maripoza?
A. To qualify for assistance, applicants must be HIV+ and seeking recovery from substance abuse and/or sex addiction.
- Q. How do I apply for assistance from Maripoza?
A. To apply for financial assistance, please complete the online assistance application. - Q. How are assistance scholarships awarded?
A. Scholarships are awarded on an as-needed basis, based on the foundation’s available funds. - Q. Are scholarships only for inpatient treatment?
A. Scholarships funds can only be used towards a treatment plan. Selected applicants will sit down with one of our contracted mental health professionals to devise a treatment plan. In most cases, inpatient treatment is suggested. - Q. I already have medical insurance. Will Maripoza Foundation be able to assist with my co-pay for inpatient treatment?
A. Yes. Please complete an online assistance application and specify that co-pay assistance is being sought. - Q. Does Maripoza screen partner treatment centers?
A. Yes. Maripoza conducts a thorough investigation of partner treatment centers including programs, curriculum, and staff to ensure our applicants end up in an environment that is conducive to their recovery and they have the highest chances for success.