Flipping the Script: Multilevel Mechanisms Linking Methamphetamine Use and HIV

Why It Matters

Framing methamphetamine–HIV links as multilevel and bidirectional highlights new biological targets and social determinants for intervention, potentially improving prevention and treatment outcomes by addressing both inflammation-driven pathogenesis and the upstream drivers of stimulant use. This approach could sharpen strategies to boost adherence and reduce HIV-related immune activation among marginalized populations.

Summary

Dr. Adam Carico reviewed translational and clinical research linking methamphetamine use to HIV acquisition and pathogenesis, highlighting immune, neuroendocrine and gene-expression changes among stimulant users with and without HIV. His lab found bidirectional perturbations in immune and neurotransmitter-related pathways, elevated inflammatory markers (including sCD14 and CRP) associated with stimulant use, and indications that incomplete antiretroviral adherence amplifies immune activation. Moving beyond reductionist models, Carico emphasized multi-level frameworks that situate substance use within structural, neighborhood and psychosocial contexts and described interventions targeting positive affect to mitigate neuroinflammation and improve prevention adherence. He argued for bidirectional (behavior↔biology) models to better explain mechanisms and inform interventions.

Original Description

Flipping the Script: Multilevel Mechanisms Linking Methamphetamine Use and HIV | Adam Carrico, PhD, ABPP (5/20/26) #neurohiv #johnshopkinsmedicine #methamphetamine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology-neurosurgery/research/jhu-nimh/seminar-series