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The Problem .... Of Drugs And AIDS
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<br /> in some !tics, thc sharii g o~ ~r Other kinds of drugs, including alcohol,
<br /> :s and svl nges bv those a'ho h can also cause problems. Under their influ-
<br /> is the f~ :st gro'wing w ~x.' tin t' ence, your judgment becomes impaired. You
<br /> ~ spread. ' could be exposed to the AIDS virus while
<br /> ne shoul shoot drugs. It cf t doing things you wouldn't otherwise do.
<br /> iction, p or health, fam h, d: rt: Teenagers are at an age when trying
<br /> hal distu >ances and de: ~'h. /i: different things is especialh, inviting. They must
<br /> :e addict :1 and need ro :rite a understand h~,a, serious th~ drug probler~ is
<br /> :nt prog~ m as quickly ~; po :ik and how to avoid it.
<br /> meanti}] :, these peoi>l¢ mu Drugs are also one of the main ways in
<br /> by not si tring any of th: eq [p which prostitutes become infected. They may
<br /> ) ~repar¢ ~nd inject illc~ ~1 d~ g share needles themselves or have sex with
<br /> ag drug: :edles, even o~ tce, a people who do. The,, then can pass the AIDS
<br /> sv way tc be infected wi :h tk virus to others.
<br /> 51oo
<br /> from an infected person For information about drug abuse
<br /> :d in the needle or sx:~ treatment programs, contact your physician,
<br /> t directly into the b16~ local public health agency or }ommuhity AIDS
<br /> ;on whc; uses the neec or drug assistance group.
<br />
<br /> Talking With ICids
<br />And Babies About AIDS
<br />
<br />Todav, in some cities, thc sharing of drug
<br />nee~lies and syringes by those who shoot
<br />drugs is the fastest growing way that the
<br />virus is being spread.
<br /> No one should shoot drugs. It can
<br />result in addiction, poor health, family disrup-
<br />tion, emotional disturbances and death. Many
<br />drug users are addicted and need to enter a
<br />drug treatment program as quickly as possible.
<br /> In the meantime, these people must
<br />avoid AIDS by not sharing an5, of the equip-
<br />ment used to prepare and inject illegal drugs.
<br /> Sharing drug needles, even once, is an
<br />extremeh; easy way to be infected with the
<br />AIDS virus.
<br />can be trapped in the needle or syringe, and
<br />then injected directly into the bloodstream of
<br />the next person who uses the needle.
<br />
<br />An infected woman can
<br />give the AIDS virus to
<br />her baby before it is born,
<br />or during birth. If a woman is
<br />infected, her child has about
<br />one chance in m,o of being
<br />born with the virus.
<br /> If you are considering
<br />having a baby, and think you
<br />might have been at risk o~
<br />being infected with the AIDS
<br />virus, even if it was 3,ears ago,
<br />vou should receive counseling
<br />and be tested before you get
<br />pregnant.
<br /> You must have a long
<br />talk with the person with
<br />
<br />"One qf thc
<br />misconceptions about
<br />AIDS is thar it onA,
<br />affecrs gay men. Tt;at's
<br />not truc. AIDS affecrs
<br />
<br />and childre~/'
<br /> -Sutd Ports
<br /> Minorin, AIDS
<br /> Project
<br />
<br />whom you're planning to have a child. Even if
<br />you have known this person for a tong rime,
<br />there's no way to be sure he or she hasn't been
<br />infected in the past, possibly without realizing it.
<br />That person needs to think hard and decide if an
<br />AiDSf~might be a good idea. So should you.
<br /> AMERICA
<br />
<br /> Children hear about AIDS, just as we all do.
<br /> But they don't understand it, so they
<br /> become frightened. They are worried they
<br />or their friends might get sick and die.
<br /> Children need to be told they can't get
<br />AIDS from even/day contact in the classroom,
<br />cafeteria or bathrooms. The), don't have to xvorr5,
<br />about getting AIDS even if one of their school-
<br />mates is infected.
<br /> Basic health education should be started as
<br />early as possible, in keeping with parental and
<br />community standards. Local schools have the
<br />responsibiliU, to see that their students -know the
<br />facts about AIDS. It is yen; important that middle
<br />school students -- those entering their teens ~
<br />learn to protect themselves from the AIDS virus.
<br /> Children must also be taught values and
<br />responsibility, as well as skills to help them'resist
<br />peer pressure that might lead to risky behavior.
<br />These skills can be reinforced b,, religious and
<br />community groups. However, final responsibility
<br />rests with the parents. As a parent, you should
<br />read and discuss this brochure with your children.
<br />
<br />RESPONDS
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<br /> 6
<br />
<br />TO AIDS
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