How long does it take HIV to turn to AIDS

I just have a few basic questions.  Is it really common for it to take 10 years to get sick?  I know someone who has AIDS, was diagnosied with AIDS and he seemed to get sick right away after exposure and just stayed sick.  Is that common?  He's also an alocoholic, so I was thinking he may have went straight to AIDs since he's such a heavy drinker.  He went to a few doctors in the beginning and they just kept giving him antibiotics, not one was thinking he could have an AIDS related illiness until his mother flew him out to her and took him to a different doctor.

Also, can is the HIV virus in saliva and sweat?  When I'm around this person, do I have to worry about catching this from him?  Is there any risk in casual contact?  Hug, sitting next to each other, is it in his sweat?  What about drinking off of the same drink?  

Thank you for your answers to my questions.

[LIZZIE LOU]

aids is the progression of hiv...and this can happen at different times for different ppl...depends on each individual.

hiv is transmitted through...

unprotected vaginal/anal intercourse
sharing iv drug works with an infected person
mother to child

hiv is not transmitted through casual contact.