The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of taking HIV medications (HAART) and identify factors affecting adherence. Participants were 10 middle-aged and older (35 to 58) HIV-positive adults (four homosexual men and six women with a history of substance abuse) who were asked to describe the daily experience of taking HAART. The metaphor that emerged from the data was Life In a Pill Bottle, which reflected the central focus of HAART in participants’ lives and also described the complex relationships that evolved between and among the person, the medications, and the virus. Three themes comprised the experience: commitment versus perseverance, feeling bad, and healing helpers. Similarities and differences were noted between men and women.