Toraker P, Pehrson PO, Spangberg L; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 789 (abstract no. D.590).

Karolinska Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Huddinge, Sweden

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to ascertain whether there is a self-experienced need for treatment of drug abuse at a HIV-clinic. METHODS: A questionnaire was filled out according to the responses of the patients. Patients were asked about present abuse, present treatment and perceived need for treatment. RESULTS: After 6 months 171 questionnaires were filled out. The mean age was 33 years and 27% reported no contact with a social worker and more than half (54%) reported no present treatment of abuse. Out of 117 reporting, 63% abuse heroin, 35% amphetamine, 23% alcohol, 11% benzodiazepines, 9% hashish with poly-drug abuse by 32% and 87% had intravenous drug abuse. 54% had a desire for treatment, wanting methadone treatment in a majority of the cases (73%), rehab centers (17%), clinics and detoxification (6%). CONCLUSION: This study shows that there is a significant self-reported need for treatment with a self-reported preference for methadone treatment. It is very important to improve and increase availability to specific treatment as needed. This is of utmost importance both from individual and epidemiological point of view and necessary to prevent an extensive spread of HIV infection.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• AIDS Vaccines
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Ambulatory Care Facilities
• Cannabis
• Data Collection
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Heroin
• Humans
• Prevalence
• Substance Abuse, Intravenous
• Substance-Related Disorders
• methods
• therapy

Other ID:

• 00416589

UI: 102180067

From Meeting Abstracts