AIDS and Alcohol/Drug Abuse (Psychosocial Research)

AIDS is the number one health issue facing the nation today. The way in which AIDS relates to substance abuse is explored by drug abuse researchers in this timely volume. A major focus of AIDS and Alcohol/Drug Abuse is on the problems of conducting AIDS research on racial minorities in this country. Bringing together experts in the field, this volume examines the specific obstacles and challenges researchers have faced in assessing and addressing the needs of underserved populations and maps routes and procedures that can improve both research and available health care services.

This unique volume also focuses on aspects of HIV infection that have received little attention elsewhere. It includes the first information published in the open literature about intravenous drug use in Alaska. Another chapter highlights some little-known facts that relate substance abuse to HIV infection in the American Indian/Alaskan Native population, among whom--it has been predicted--a devastating epidemic of HIV infection is likely. Problems with prevention, research, and treatment of individuals who are both intravenous drug users and who are infected with HIV are explored. Other chapters look at the transmission of HIV infection--by gay men who are alcoholics and by intravenous drug users. AIDS and Alcohol/Drug Abuse ends with hopeful chapter for AIDS prevention. Readers interested in the relationship of intravenous drug use and HIV infection, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities, will find this to be a practical, readable book. In particular, substance abuse counselors and researchers, and anyone involved in the AIDS prevention movement will find a valuable wealth of information.