At INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery, we are deeply committed to your journey to wellness and safety. National HIV Testing Day on June 27 provides a vital opportunity to remind everyone—especially those in or seeking recovery from addiction—about the importance of knowing their HIV status. Understanding your health status is a huge step in safeguarding yourself and others from blood-borne pathogens like HIV, which are of higher concern for individuals dealing with substance use addiction.
Individuals struggling with addiction face an elevated risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV. This risk can be attributed to various factors, including shared needles, unprotected sex and other risky behaviors sometimes associated with substance use. Studies have shown that people who use drugs are at a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV. For instance, intravenous drug use accounts for a considerable percentage of HIV diagnoses due to the sharing of needles and syringes, which can carry infected blood.
“HIV is now considered a chronic but manageable illness, but only if you get tested and get the help you need. It’s important to know your HIV status so that you can keep yourself and others safe and access effective treatment,” says Jedidiah Perdue, M.D., medical director of INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails.
Moreover, the impact of drugs on judgment and inhibition often leads to unsafe sexual behaviors, further increasing the risk of HIV transmission and complicate treatment adherence.
While INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery does not provide HIV testing directly, our mission is to support your overall health and well-being. We encourage everyone, especially those in recovery, to seek out local testing centers and get tested for HIV.
Numerous resources are available to help you find a local HIV testing center. Many community health centers, clinics and organizations offer free or low-cost testing. You can visit the CDC’s website or use their HIV testing locator tool to find a testing site near you.
Our Resources Page contains a list of services that can help you find some additional services.
Addiction can be an isolating experience, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. At INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails, we support you every step of the way. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we offer comprehensive treatment programs designed to help you achieve lasting recovery.
“It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease. I don’t know a single person whose family or friends have not been affected in some way by substance use issues. No one recovers alone and treatment is more effective now than it has ever been. It’s important to have the right partner on your journey to health and well-being, but that can only happen if you take that first step and reach out for help,” says Brian Couey, Psy.D., executive director, INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails.
Visit arcadiatrails.com to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you on your path to recovery.
Your recovery journey is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s about achieving holistic health and safety. Taking the step to get tested for HIV is an integral part of this journey. By knowing your status, you can take control of your health and contribute to a safer, healthier community.
National HIV Testing Day on June 27 is a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing your HIV status, especially for those in recovery. At INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery, we are dedicated to supporting your health and well-being. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Reach out for support, get tested and take control of your health today.
Together, we can build a healthier, safer community. For more information on our programs, visit arcadiatrails.com.
