The belief by many that cocaine causes HIV

[mgb21]

I keep reading everywhere (primarily written by those who do not believe that AIDS is caused by any type of virus) that cocaine use, particularly the smoked form, actually causes HIV infection.  I say, bulls--t.  While I can see where this drug could accelerate the production of the virus in the human body, leading to a very high viral load, I will always be of the mind that some type of infectious agent, and NOT any particular drug use, is the cause.  These same people disparage the use of all HIV medications, calling them toxic and a scam.  But if their hypotheses were true, wouldn't AIDS go away once the person stopped using the drugs?  I would think so.  Can anyone shed any light on this matter?

[aardvarkadmirer]

Of course, if you're doing IV Cocaine and sharing the needles, that's a risk for HIV.

But that goes without saying.

[mgb21]

My sentiment EXACTLY.  I mean, if that claim was true, then a LOT more people would be infected and/or dead already, myself included.  The fact is ( at least within my own circle of friends, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintences) that, according to the denialists, most, if not all, of these people should be be infected, but in actuality, they are not.  Thank you for basically confirming what my God-given common sense had already told me.

[aardvarkadmirer]

lol wut.

I'm surprised these arguments are even still around.

[Mitch82]

Hogwash!

[LIZZIE LOU]

denialist BS.

[Teak]

Say what?