Yes. Using non-injected drugs like alcohol, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, or crack reduces your ability to make good decisions about safe sex and using clean needles and works. If you are drunk or high, you are less likely to think about protecting yourself and others from HIV. Cocaine tends to increase a person’s sex drive and to decrease sexual inhibitions, which can make him or her less likelyto use condoms and to avoid high-risk sex activities. Crystal methamphetamine (“crystal meth”) – whether non-injected or injected – has effects similar to cocaine, but it lasts even longer. Crystal meth has become popular among men who have sex with men and other groups. Its use appears to be leading to increased unprotected sex and greater potential risk of HIV transmission.
People who are addicted to drugs may also trade sex for money or drugs, which further increases their HIV risk. Evidence shows that treatment programs for any kind of substance use can reduce high-risk sex and drug-using behavior.
