Project neuroARTEMIS

The purpose of this research is to understand how chronic stress affects the way our brain and immune systems function, and in turn how this affects the way people feel, think, and behave. By learning more about how these processes work, the hope is to be able to develop better treatments to help with problems like depression and substance use. This study is intended for individuals that are HIV positive, currently taking prescription antiretroviral medications, and use stimulants. Through this intervention, the aim is to determine if this positive affect intervention can lead to reductions in stimulant use and depressed mood.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-59 years old * Weekly use of stimulants reported in the past month or a score of 4 or more on the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) * Confirmed HIV diagnosis * Current receipt of daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication * English fluency/literacy Exclusion Criteria: * Acute brain infection (e.g., neurosyphilis, toxoplasmosis) * Acutely symptomatic bipolar I or psychotic disorder * Prescription for immunomodulatory medications or other immunotherapy * Any MRI contraindications * If applicable, on antidepressant medication regimen for at least 2 months