“…Studies conducted in non-HIV infected persons have reported use of alcohol in response to pain (Brennan et al, 2005; Riley and King, 2009). In one study of HIV-infected men, pain was found to be significantly associated with illicit drug use and depression (Tsao et al, 2011). Because unhealthy alcohol use is related to HIV-related sexual and drug risk behaviors (Shuper et al, 2009; Wen et al, 2012), non-adherence to HIV medications (Arnsten et al, 2002; Azar et al, 2010; Chander et al, 2006; Cohn et al, 2011; Golin et al, 2002; Howard et al, 2002) and lack of viral suppression (Azar et al, 2010; Lucas et al, 2002; Palepu et al, 2003; Samet et al, 2007; Wu et al, 2011), understanding whether pain is associated with alcohol use is especially relevant in this population.…”