Sex Industry, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs: Implications for the Spread of HIV Infection

• NCJ Number: 116017
• Journal: British Journal of Addiction Volume: 84 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 53-59
• Author(s): M L Plant; M A Plant; D F Peck; J Setters
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article points out that alcohol and illicit drug use are linked to high risk sexual activities, making it advisable that male and female prostitutes adopt safe sex practices in order to avoid AIDS.

Abstract

Unsafe sexual activity usually occurs when individuals have been drinking or using drugs. Studies show that many male and female prostitutes use drugs and alcohol and then participate in sexual activities that could lead to AIDS. While many female prostitutes in African countries test HIV positive, an increasing number of female prostitutes in Western countries who use drugs have tested HIV positive, thus establishing a clear link between high risk drug-taking and unsafe sex. Research is needed to assess how much prostitutes know about AIDS and how to avoid it through safer sex practices. 67 references. (Author abstract modified)