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The use of drugs and alcohol can be related to high risk behaviors. For injection drug users, high risk of HIV transmission is related to the use of unsterilized, shared needles or syringes. In addition, the altered mental state resulting from the use of alcohol and drugs can lead to increased risk due to unsafe sexual practices. Substance use or abuse may further jeopardize the health of an individual who is HIV positive.

In Canada, injection drug use accounted for 17.3% of new HIV infections during 2007.

(Source: HIV and AIDS in Canada. Selected Surveillance Tables to June 30, 2008. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2009.)

For more information on HIV/AIDS and injection drug use, check out our Safer Injecting documents.