NCJ Number
197267
Journal
Science & Practice Perspectives Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: July 2002 Pages: 4-11
Date Published
July 2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the prevention of HIV and hepatitis infection among those receiving treatment for drug addiction.
Abstract
The author begins by explaining that those people suffering from drug dependency are more vulnerable to HIV and hepatitis. Unfortunately, knowledge concerning hepatitis C and its transmission is lacking among drug treatment practitioners. This article focuses on what these practitioners can do to prevent the spread of hepatitis and HIV among their clients and to limit the consequences of these infections among those already infected. The author explains the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis among drug users and discusses how it is transmitted. There are a number of tools available that can assist drug treatment staff in assessing a patients’ risk of infection. These tools are discussed, as well as the use of education and counseling to help prevent infection. The author also discusses the usefulness of cooperation between drug treatment programs and other community-based programs to help prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis. The article then turns to a discussion of “secondary prevention,” which is the limiting of the consequences of the diseases. Gaining swift access to medical care is crucial for those infected with HIV and hepatitis. One way to ensure swift medical care is through the use of onsite medical care at drug treatment facilities. The author explains that combining drug treatment with regular medical care reduces the number of hospitalizations. In conclusion, the author points out that the staff members of drug abuse treatment programs are in a position to prevent, detect, and diminish the consequences of HIV and hepatitis infection. Therefore, it is crucial that these staff members receive education and training in order to combat the spread of these diseases. References