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Table 2 Themes related to reasons for drinking and consequences of drinking in 24 women with HIV Infection

From: Perceived benefits and negative consequences of alcohol consumption in women living with HIV: a qualitative study

 

Reasons for drinking

Consequences of drinking

Biological

• Addiction

• To feel better

• Manage pain

• Not taking medications

• Blackouts

• Physical damage   to body

Psychological

• To feel in control

• Coping – escaping

• Low self-esteem

• Get through bad experiences

• To have courage/confidence

• Changes in behavior

• Poor choices and   decisions

• Sexual risk taking

Social

• Socialize

• Influenced by friends

• Influenced by family/parents

• Neglect

• End up in jail

• Loss: respect, job,   relationships