DRUGS – N -AIDS

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havan

thu

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inah

a

Sarv

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hu s

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naha • This is a quick small presentation on ill-effect

of drugs linked to AIDS.

• This was prepared just as I came to know that today is said to be “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”

• This quick presentation made has quite a lot of references to several journals.

• I will sometime come with more details.

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What is AIDS?

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

• It is said to be – the deadliest disease of the modern times,

– Incurable,

– Disease which is spreading like wild fire,

– Which is taking fortune out of the victims, physically, mentally, socially and economically.

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The Virus

• AIDS is caused by a virus called the

Human

Immunio-deficiency

Virus (HIV)

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….the Virus• If this virus exists in the body, the immune system

produces antibodies to fight against the virus.

• If a person has these antibodies in the body the person is said to be HIV +ve,

• If NOT, the person is said to be HIV –ve.

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How does AIDS transmit?

• Blood transfusion

• Use of syringes used for an AIDS victim,or razors used by a victim wherein, in case of a cut, AIDS is transferred through cuts; etc.

• Sex with an AIDS victim

• From mother (with AIDS during or before pregnancy) to child

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However, there is more which is not commonly said

It’s the DRUGS.

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In view of discussion on AIDS, drugs may be classified as

•DRUGS

• Recreational(Illicit)

• Prescribed

Sarv

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hu s

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naha • Unfortunately, both recreational (and

prescribed drugs (drugs prescribed for postponing AIDS) promote AIDS

• There are several literature available in several journals/books.

• Here is one.

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HIV minus & AIDS!!!

• ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTS is that the presence of HIV virus in a person is NOT essential to cause AIDS!!

• There are several other factors which lead to AIDS.

• Basically, AIDS is a situation wherein the Immune system of a body is getting destroyed.

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HIV minus & AIDS!!!

• Upon investigation of the AIDS patients it was concluded that – T-cell count is affected by several other agents.

– People who are treated with high doses of corticosteroids for periods of months usually suffer from low T cells counts and AIDS-defining illness such as tuberculosis, Kaposi's sarcoma, and other illnesses (24 as on date).

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HIV minus & AIDS!!!

• People suffering from AIDS is a direct result from chronic drug use both illicit (recreactional) and prescriptive

• "Corticosteroids usually depress the functions and the size of the immune system; therefore, reducing the chance of rejecting the new organ by the host.

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Prior incidences that promoted AIDS • Appearance of AIDS in US & Europe in drug

users concided with – Synergistic to spread of illicit drug use, especially

smoking crack cocaine and heroin in 1970s– Wide use of glucocarticoid inhalers after its

approval in 1970s– Wide use of alkyl nitrites by homosexuals– Wide use of steroids to treat chronic

gastrointestinal tract illness in homosexuals– Approval of antiviral drugs (AZT & Protease

inhibitors) and steroid by the US FDA to treat patients with AIDS & asymptomatic patients infected with HIV

Sarv

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hu s

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naha • The use of glucocorticoid compounds has

been increasing with time and in the USA, more than 10 million Americans use glucocorticoid as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy drug per year."

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YOUNGER BROTHER

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YOUNGER BROTHER

• There is an younger brother (rather older brother when it comes to age) to Illicit drugs

• This younger brother also reduce the CD4 cell counts

• It is the alcoholic drinks

• Frequent Alcohol Use Linked to Lower CD4 Cell Count and Higher HIV Viral Load

Sarv

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hu s

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naha • It is the alcoholic drinks

• Frequent Alcohol Use Linked to Lower CD4 Cell Count and Higher HIV Viral Load

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Last few words

• Shwethashwathara Upanishad says:– Diseases does not touch HIM

– Old age does not bodher HIM

– Death does not approach HIM

– HIM….

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Last few words

– HIM….

– Who has ripened his/her body with the fire of YOGA.

Sarv

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hu s

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naha • Kindly give your feedback through HWC.

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DHANYAVAD!