Define Drug addicts and HIV/AIDS.

Drug addicts are individuals who compulsively use drugs despite experiencing negative consequences in various aspects of their lives, including health, relationships, work, and legal issues. Addiction is characterized by a loss of control over drug use, cravings for drugs, and continued drug-seeking behavior despite awareness of the harmful effects.

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a viral infection caused by the HIV virus. HIV attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, a late stage of the infection characterized by severe immune suppression and the development of opportunistic infections and cancers. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles and syringes among injection drug users, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and through blood transfusions with contaminated blood. Individuals who engage in drug addiction behaviors, particularly injection drug use, are at increased risk of HIV infection due to sharing needles and engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.