NCJ Number
123223
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: (March/April 1990) Pages: 10-13
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
AIDS-related interventions with drug users in the Netherlands focus on providing information and items that will encourage safer sex and safer drug use.
Abstract
Information is imparted through personal counseling and the showing of informative audiovisuals in counselor waiting areas. To reinforce the message and assist behavioral change, condoms are available, free or at low cost, in or near areas of high drug use. Drug-free treatment is accessible for those who want to stop using drugs completely. Methadone is available for those heroin users who want to reduce or stop injecting, but who can not yet give up their dependence on opiates. Clean injecting equipment is available, free or at low cost, in areas of high drug use. Since discarded contaminated material could endanger the general public, interventions emphasize the importance of returning used equipment when obtaining clean equipment. In the larger cities, a system of care for injecting drug users with AIDS has been established. This care is integrated into the existing helping organizations and aims at preventing further discrimination against and the marginalization of the AIDS patient. 23 references.