"Getting Hooked, Getting Help"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Getting Hooked, Getting Help"

Washington Post (Health) (12/27/88), P. 10

One of the people who are addicted to drugs who have contracted AIDS is 31-year-old Cheryl McPhatter, of Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia section. She was diagnosed with the disease 14 months ago, after using heroin and cocaine intravenously since 1983. Two of her former boyfriends, both IV drug addicts, have died of AIDS in the past year. BecAUse of her needle sharing, sexual partners, and major surgery in 1985 that required blood transfusions, McPhatter says, "As to how I contracted AIDS, your guess is as good as mine." She says she paid no attention to AIDS until she "started getting sick. At the time, some people were saying black people didn't get AIDS." McPhatter says she hasn't shared drug needles or had sex since her diagnosis, and hasn't used drugs at all in two months. She hasn't tried to notify her former sexual partners, most of whom are in the drug community, of her dignosis, she says. "I rationalize it by saying they probably have it anyway."
881227
AD880417

Copyright © 1988 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1988. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1988. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.