Changes in HIV-related risk behaviors following drug abuse treatment.

Abstract

To measure changes in HIV-related injection drug and sexual risk behaviors following drug treatment in a therapeutic community program. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 261 drug users, randomly assigned to day or residential treatment. Participants were interviewed 2 weeks after entering treatment and 6, 12 and 18 months later (follow-up rate: 83%). Greater reductions in injection risk behaviors were associated with more time in treatment and the later waves of measurement. Wave was also associated with a reduction of sexual risk behavior. Drug abuse treatment was associated with a decrease in HIV-related risk behavior.