The Official Drugs & Cocktails Manual For HIV Sufferers & Aspirants

This is quite simply the most outrageous document I have found to date that exposes how closely related HIV & the drug culture really are. It is in matters such as this that one can see very clearly that they are one and the same thing.

The document is by the Seattle Treatment Education Project and is posted on The Body website. I have added some comments in BLOC RED CAPITALS to this truly outrageous document, which should illustrate to those that want to see just how closely related HIV and recreational drug use really are, and how the AIDS industry will stop at nothing to sell sell sell their drugs. They do so with the aid of organizations, who under the guise of giving sound medical advice are actually reinforcing the deadliest notion of all: that people do not get sick form drug use, and when they do, it is the fault of a "virus".

The good news is you will not have to stop taking all the recreational drugs you were taking before you got sick, as we can give you more to keep you alive and partying for a few years more, at least till your liver packs in.


Cocktails and Party Favors
HOW VERY DOROTHY PARKER...
SEATTLE TREATMENT EDUCATION PROJECT
By Meredith A. Potochnic, Pharm.D.

The "club drug" epidemic is spreading. According to a Drug Abuse Trend report published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (a division of the National Institutes of Health), there appears to be an alarming increase in the use of ecstasy, GHB, and ketamine in almost all cities surveyed. Methamphetamine use appears to remain concentrated on the West Coast and has been associated with an increased number of emergency room visits in Seattle. Other drugs of abuse identified by this report include cocaine, heroin, marijuana, benzodiazepines (clonazepam [Klonopin], alprazolam [Xanax], diazepam [Valium]), sildenafil (Viagra), and various prescription narcotics. With the increasing popularity of such drugs, there is concern that their use can potentially lead to serious health problems. For example, what happens when "club drugs" are mixed with HIV medications?

There has been a lot of interest regarding how recreational drug use may affect HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. The most obvious concerns are as follows:

* There is concern that some recreational drugs may weaken the immune system, possibly speeding up the progression of HIV disease.

POSSIBLY? THE USE OF THE WORD POSSIBLY IS THE HEIGHT OF DISHONESTY CONSIDERING THE MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT HOLDS THE FIRM VIEW THAT EVEN JUST SMOKING KILLS!

* There is concern that recreational drug use could interfere with one's ability to adhere to antiretroviral therapy, possibly leading to viral resistance.

IN OTHER WORDS: YOU CAN WASH DOWN YOUR RETROVIRALS EVEN IF IT'S WITH GHB. (LIQUID ECSTASY), BUT TAKE THEM!

* There is concern that combining HIV medications with recreational drugs might result in a drug interaction, which could either decrease the effectiveness of one's antiretroviral therapy, or cause a serious side effect.

BUT DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH I AM SURE THERE ARE MORE DRUGS ONE CAN TAKE TO COUNTERACT THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT COULD OCCUR.

The intention of this article is to focus on the area of drug interactions between HIV medications and recreational drugs. It will help to first understand the definition of a drug interaction.

WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THIS PIECE THAT SHOULD BE SUMMED UP BY SAYING: THAT WHICH MAKE YOU HIGHER.

A drug interaction happens when a person takes two drugs and one or both of the drugs behave differently when taken together than they would if taken alone. In other words, one of the medications changes the effects of the other. In some situations, drug interactions are not a problem. In other situations, drug interactions can affect one's therapy or even cause serious harm. The most common type of drug interaction that is seen with HIV medications is related to how a drug is metabolized (broken down) by the body.

The liver is the major organ that is involved in the metabolism of most HIV medications (particularly protease inhibitors and non-nucleosides). The liver is also used to break down some recreational drugs. To confuse things, some drugs, especially protease inhibitors, can also slow down (inhibit) how the liver clears other medications from the body. When two medications in the body are waiting in line to be broken down by the liver, they often have to compete. Protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir, are stronger and often win the competition. In this situation, the second medication is not cleared as quickly, often resulting in increased levels in the bloodstream. If drugs such as recreational drugs are present in the bloodstream in larger than usual concentrations, they can be dangerous.

On the flip side, some medications can speed up (induce) how the liver clears other medications from the body. When this happens, the second medication is cleared faster from the body and there is not enough medication around to do its work. Inducers can cause some HIV medications to be removed from the bloodstream and this can lead to viral resistance.

Quite a bit is known about drug interactions with protease inhibitors and other HIV medications. Unfortunately, there is minimal information available regarding drug interactions with recreational drugs. Little research is being done on this topic because there is a lack of financial incentive for drug companies to fund research due to ethical concerns and the fear of being recognized as supporters of illicit drug use. Based on what we already know about how certain drugs are cleared from the body, we can guess that mixing certain combinations together could lead to danger.

THE HEIGHT OF HYPOCRISY IN EVERY SENSE, FROM THE REASON WHY THERE ARE NO STUDIES ON LONG TERM RECREATIONAL DRUG USE, TO THE REASON THE DRUG INDUSTRY DOES NOT RESEARCH DRUG ABUSE IN RELATION TO MEDICATION, TO THE IDEA THAT MIXING DRUGS IN THIS WAY "COULD" BE DETRIMENTAL. ABOVE ALL IT IS NOT CREDIBLE THAT THE LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO THE TOXICITY FROM DRUGS ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IS TREATED USING WORDS LIKE "COULD" OR "MAY". AND IF THERE ARE NO OFFICIAL STUDIES ON THE SUBJECT IT MUST BE BECAUSE THERE IS NO REAL INTEREST IN HAVING THEM.

The best way to avoid potentially serious interactions is to not mix recreational drugs with antiretroviral therapy. However, if you choose to mix them, you should at least be aware of the risks involved. The table below is a list of suspected drug interactions that may occur between HIV medications and recreational drugs.

FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL WITH HIV DRUG MIXING IS A "CHOICE". HOW LOVELY! IS THERE AN EQUIVALENT TABLE LIKE THIS FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER OR CHRONIC DIABETES AS WELL?

Mixing Cocktails: Recipes for Concern
Recreational Drug	Interactions and Possible Effects	Ideas to Reduce the Risk (No Guarantees!)
Alcohol	Antiretrovirals (ARVs) There is not a direct interaction between alcohol and ARVs. However, it is possible that chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of drug toxicities such as liver damage (with protease Inhibitors, nevirapine, d4T), pancreatitis (with ddI, ddC), and neuropathy (with ddI, d4T, ddC).	There is an established association between excessive alcohol use and poor adherence to ARVs. It would be ideal to achieve sobriety prior to starting HAART. If sobriety is not a possibility and there is a need to start HAART, avoid a ddI-containing regimen as it may increase the risk of pancreatitis.
	GHB and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. When mixed together, alcohol can increase the potential for seizures, difficulty breathing, and GHB coma.	Avoid mixing with GHB!
	Sedatives such as diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), temazepam (Restoril), and many others, are, like alcohol, CNS depressants. When mixed together, they can lead to prolonged sleep and possibly decreased breathing.	Avoid mixing with sedatives!
Amyl Nitrate (Poppers)	Viagra May result in extremely low blood pressure which can potentially be fatal.	Do not mix!
Cocaine (Coke, Blow)	Antiretrovirals (ARVs) There are no known interactions between cocaine and ARVs. There is one test-tube study to suggest that cocaine may cause HIV to reproduce 20 times faster than normal. However, a definite correlation between cocaine use and viral load has not been established.	Long-term cocaine use can lead to problems with attention and concentration, memory loss, and decreased speed in processing information. Cocaine usage promotes a disorganized behavior, which can lead to missing ARV doses and ultimately to drug resistance.
Crystal Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth, Crystal, Speed, Ice)	Protease Inhibitors (PIs) There is a theoretical concern that PIs, particularly ritonavir, can decrease the clearance of crystal. This interaction could result in a 2- to 3-fold buildup of crystal in the blood, possibly leading to an overdose.	Start with lower doses of crystal (1/3 to 1/2 of normal dose) to account for possible enhanced activity by protease inhibitors. If injecting, use clean and safe technique. As with cocaine and other binge drugs, there is a concern that the use of crystal can lead to a lapse in taking HIV medications.
	Long Term Crystal Use Long-term use of crystal can lead to weight loss, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and fatigue which might lead to further immunosuppression.
Ecstasy (E, X, MDMA)	Antiretrovirals (ARVs), particularly PIs (ritonavir) and delavirdine, may cause a 3- to 10-fold increase in ecstasy levels in the bloodstream, leading to an overdose. To date, there has been at least one death caused by an ecstasy overdose that may be the result of an interaction between ecstasy and the PI ritonavir.	Mixing "X" with PIs is likely to increase levels of "X" as well as prolong the "high." If mixing the two, it is advisable to start with 1/4 to 1/2 tablet and wait for effect. "X" can increase your body temperature and cause you to sweat, especially if you are dancing in a hot environment. Take frequent breaks to cool off. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially if taking indinavir (Crixivan) or if combining ecstasy with alcohol. Alcohol will increase the risk of dehydration. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a heart condition, or asthma, "X" could be a dangerous drug for you. If you are suffering from depression, it may be best to avoid ecstasy as it may either aggravate or complicate the treatment of depression.
	Antidepressants 0. MAO inhibitors (Nardil) should not be used in combination with "X" as mixing them might cause an increased blood pressure which could be life threatening. Do not mix! 0. 0. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and many others may have a reduced effect when mixed with "X." There is information to suggest that even short-term use of "X" may cause permanent changes in brain chemistry, which could increase the risk of depression.
GHB (G, Liquid Ecstasy)	Protease inhibitors (PIs) may potentially increase levels of GHB in the bloodstream. This interaction is not well documented. However, there is a case report of a life-threatening reaction to GHB when given in combination with the PIs (ritonavir and saquinavir).	GHB is difficult to measure since it is only available as a liquid. It is best to start with no more than one teaspoonful and wait about 30 minutes for effects to begin before taking more. In some people, effects can last for about 4 hours, depending on the dose and/or the possibility of drug interactions. GHB overdoses can occur pretty quickly and may present with drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, decreased breathing, loss of reflexes, and loss of consciousness. It is best to be on the buddy system when taking GHB. Avoid mixing with alcohol and sedatives!
	Alcohol and GHB are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. When mixed together, alcohol can increase the potential for seizures, difficulty breathing, and GHB coma.
	Sedatives (Valium, Halcion, Restoril, and many others) and GHB are both CNS depressants. When mixed together, they can increase your risk of GHB coma and breathing failure.
Heroin (Smack, Junk, China White)	Protease inhibitors such as ritonavir may decrease heroin levels by 50%, thus decreasing the possibility of an overdose.	Don't try to compensate for this possible interaction. Start with your normal dose and only increase if you experience a lesser effect. Use clean and safe injection technique. Heroin generally doesn't mix well with other party drugs so avoid mixing!
Ketamine (Special K, K, Vitamin K, Kitty Valium)	Antiretrovirals such as protease inhibitors and delavirdine may increase the levels of "K" in the bloodstream, possibly leading to increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, or difficulty breathing. A New York HIV doctor has reported two cases of "chemical hepatitis" that may be the result of mixing ritonavir with "K."	If mixing "K" with ARVs, less drug will go further. Start with 1/3 to 1/2 of your usual dose and wait for effect. Don't take another bump unless you feel OK. Otherwise, you may end up in a semi-conscious K-hole. Avoid mixing with alcohol, GHB, or sedatives as all four can cause CNS depression. Like GHB, it is best to be on the buddy system when taking "K."
Marijuana (THC)	Protease inhibitors may increase levels of THC in the bloodstream. However, there are no known cases of marijuana overdose, so this interaction should not be dangerous. Smoking marijuana may increase one's risk for pneumonia.	THC may be helpful to control nausea and to increase appetite. As an alternative to smoking, there is an oral form available (Marinol). Marinol may cause more tiredness and fatigue as compared to inhaled marijuana. If given with a protease inhibitor, Marinol can be introduced at a lower dose and increased for effect.
Sedatives (Benzodiazepines)	Protease inhibitors may block the breakdown of certain sedatives, leading to increased blood levels of these drugs. Sedatives to avoid with P's include triazolam (Halcion), midazolam (Versed), flurazepam (Dalmane), and diazepam (Valium).	Alternative sedatives that appear to be safer when combined with protease inhibitors include lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), oxazepam (Serax). Avoid mixing with alcohol, GHB, or "K!"
	Alcohol, GHB, and Ketamine are all CNS depressants and if mixed will increase the risk of decreased breathing or coma.
Viagra	Protease inhibitors may decrease the clearance of Viagra, leading to high blood levels of Viagra. Side effects of interaction may include abnormal changes in blood pressure and chest pain.	Recommended starting dose of Viagra is 25 mg. Dose may be increased if needed and/or tolerated.
	Amyl Nitrate ("Poppers") May result in extremely low blood pressure which can potentially be fatal.	Do not mix!

THIS IS A FAIR COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THE MAIN DRUGS USED ON THE PARTY SCENE ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE LIST DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE CLUBBING START OFF WITH MIXING VARIOUS DRUGS TOGETHER TO GIVE A MORE INTERESTING KICK START TO THE HIGH SUCH AS COKE AND KETAMINE (CALVIN KLEIN) OR CANDY FLIP (E AND ACID) COKE AND E (OKECOKIE). IT ALSO FAILS TO EMPHASIZE THE OUT OF CONTROL USE OF ANALGESICS, ANTIBIOTICS, STOMACH PAIN MEDICATION OF VARIOUS SORTS AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS WHICH ARE ALSO CONSUMED REGULARLY AND AT TIMES DURING THE HIGH, ALSO THE STEROIDS AND BODY SCULPTING DRUGS WHICH ALSO FORM PART OF THE BASIC DRUG SCENE REQUIREMENTS; THAT OF BEING ALL PUMPED UP LOOKING AS MACHO AS POSSIBLE. THE LIST ALSO IGNORES THE USE SLEEPING PILLS SUCH AS ZOPPIES, BUT RECOGNIZES THAT ANTIDEPRESSANTS SUCH AS PROZAC ARE ALSO TAKEN REGULARLY BY PARTY GOERS DURING A WEEKEND LONG PARTY SESSION.

Please note that this is not a complete list of all drug interactions that occur with antiretrovirals or other HIV-related medications. The intention of this article is to focus on drug interactions that occur primarily with recreational drugs. If you have questions regarding drug interactions with other prescription and non-prescription medications or with recreational drugs not mentioned in this article, please consult your physician or pharmacist to ensure the safety of that combination. It is important that you feel comfortable talking to your healthcare provider without the fear of being judged.

REMEMBER YOU WILL ONLY BE JUDGED, CALLED MAD, A MURDERER, A DENIALST AND IRRESPONSIBLE IF YOU LIVE HEALTHY AND TAKE NO DRUGS AT ALL; RECREATIONAL OR RETROVIRAL. YOU WILL ALSO PROBABLY BE DISOWNED BY THE MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT IF YOU DO THAT AND QUESTION HIV INFECTION AS THE REASON YOU GET SICK. SO YOUR CHOICES HERE ARE VERY CLEAR: YOU MUST TAKE SOME DRUGS AT LEAST. NO DRUGS AT ALL IS NO GOOD FOR ANYONE.

Additionally, recommendations made to reduce the harm of certain combinations cannot be validated by studies, as there are none. There is no guarantee that a serious adverse reaction won't occur when combining certain drugs listed in the table above. It is important to accept the reality that people are mixing cocktails and party favors on a regular basis. It is simply the hope that after weighing the risks, you make an informed decision to choose what is best for you.

MORE LETHAL HYPOCRISY. INFORMED DECISIONS BASED ON WHAT? NO STUDIES OF THE EFFECTS OF LONG TERM DRUG USE ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WHETHER YOU ARE HIV OR NOT?

To further reduce the harm of mixing cocktails, here are some general guidelines:

* If you are trying a recreational drug for the first time, try it alone, before mixing it with other substances.
* Avoid mixing psychedelics with alcohol.
* Be conservative and not greedy. Product batches are not always consistent. Just because you tolerated a dose this time, doesn't mean you won't overdose next time.
* Realize that every person reacts differently. Just because your friend can tolerate a combination, doesn't mean that you can.
* Party with friends who know what you are taking in case of an overdose.
* Stay hydrated.
* Get plenty of rest and let your immune system recover.
* Antiretroviral therapy should not be interrupted, as interruption of therapy could lead to viral resistance.

Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about stopping your medications.

SO HE CAN TERRORIZE YOU INTO NOT STOPPING TAKING ANY DRUGS AT ALL...

"OH BRAVE NEW WORLD THAT HATH SUCH PEOPLE IN IT"
ONLY IN THE CASE OF HIV DOES ONE FIND INSANITY OF THIS MAGNITUDE.