Therapy to Help People with HIV Reduce Unhealthy Drinking

This trial is testing a therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people with HIV who drink at unhealthy levels. The therapy teaches people new ways to handle difficult thoughts and feelings without turning to alcohol. Researchers think this approach might work better than standard alcohol counseling because it addresses both drinking and mental health problems at the same time.

Many people living with HIV struggle with unhealthy drinking, which can make it harder to stay healthy and take HIV medications as prescribed. Past treatments haven't worked as well as hoped, partly because they didn't address the mental health challenges — like anxiety or depression — that often go along with alcohol use.