PALS Articles

This webpage and it's resources are part of the PALS Project, developed by Queensland Positive People. The content you will find here was not created in isolation, it was built with community, from the very beginning. Our process started with seven original workshops held across multiple cities in Queensland, bringing together people living with HIV who also use alcohol and other drugs, including sessions with key communities. From those conversations, we heard what mattered

Alcohol and other drugs have been part of human culture for thousands of years. They are not going away, and we need to talk about them honestly and without judgement. For people living with HIV, the goal is not necessarily abstinence, it is safety, wellbeing, and informed choice. Knowing how to reduce harm can make a real difference to your health, your treatment, and your quality of life. HIV and AOD in numbers Source HIV Futures 10 Source GCPS Queensland What ways does AO

Everyone's body responds differently. Things like your size, tolerance, mental state, any medications you're taking, and even how much you've eaten or slept that day can change how you react to a substance or a combination. What's in this table is based on general patterns — your experience may be different. That's why it's worth knowing your own body, going slow, and checking in with people you trust. Mixing drugs is quite common, understanding the risks allows you to use th

Being open about HIV can already feel risky. Adding alcohol or other drug use into that conversation can feel impossible.

Disclosing your HIV status is always a personal decision, one that belongs entirely to you. But sometimes, in social settings where alcohol or other drugs are involved, that boundary can blur. You might share more than you intended or find yourself in a conversation that goes in a direction you didn't plan for. This is more common than people think, and it does not make you careless or irresponsible. It makes you human. A moment to reflect If you have ever experienced acciden

Living with HIV does not happen in isolation. For many people, it is just one part of a much bigger picture, one that may also include AOD use, mental health challenges, migration, language barriers, cultural background, gender identity, sexuality, trauma, and financial pressures. When these experiences overlap, they can intensify vulnerability and make it harder to find support that truly fits. Research and community voices tell us that these intersecting identities matter d

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is one of the most powerful tools available for people living with HIV. When taken consistently, it keeps the virus suppressed, protects your immune system, and means you can live a long and healthy life. But like many things in life, it doesn't always happen in a perfectly straight line — and for some people, alcohol and other drug use can make staying on top of treatment more challenging. This resource is here to give you honest, practical infor

Drugs have always been part of human experience Alcohol and other drugs have been part of human culture for thousands of years across celebrations, rituals, social connection, and personal exploration. They are not going away, and it is important that we talk about them honestly and without judgement. People use substances for many different reasons, and those reasons are valid. Some people use drugs or alcohol to relax and unwind after a stressful day. Others use them to c

For some people living with HIV who also use alcohol and other drugs, substance use does not always happen in a safe or equal space. Sometimes AOD use is tied to relationships or situations where pressure, control, or fear are also present. This can be hard to name, especially when you care about the person involved, when substances are making things feel blurry, or when other pressures like visa status, community belonging, or fear of judgement make it harder to speak up or

Queensland Positive People (QPP) —We are here to support you around your HIV and to help connect you with the right services for AOD, relationship concerns, or whatever else you are navigating. You do not have to have it all figured out before you reach out. We will meet you where you are. You can self-refer to QPP at any time. HIV Drug Interactions Checker — A free and easy to use resource that allows you to check how different drugs may interact with your HIV treatment (AR