THE TYPES OF DRUGS USED BY HIV-INFECTED INJECTION-DRUG USERS IN A MULTISTATE SURVEILLANCE PROJECT - IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTION

Objectives. This study sought to describe the drugs used by drug injec tors infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to determine factors associated with the primary injection drug used. Methods. A c ross-section of persons 18 years of age or older reported with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to local health departments in 11 US states : and cities was surveyed. Results. Of 4162 persons in terviewed, 1147 (28%) reported ever having injected drugs. Of these 11 47 injectors, 72% primarily injected a drug other than heroin. However , the types of drugs injected varied notably by place of residence. He roin was the most commonly injected drug in Detroit (94%) and Connecti cut (48%); cocaine was the most common in South Carolina (64%), Atlant a (56%), Delaware (55%), Denver (46%), and Arizona (44%); speedball wa s most common in Florida (46%); and amphetamines were most common in W ashington (56%). Other determinants of the type of drug primarily inje cted were often similar by region of residence, except for heroin use. Polysubstance : abuse was common; 75% injected more than one type of drug, and 85% reported noninjected drug use. Conclusions. Preventing t he further spread of HIV will require more drug abuse treatment progra ms that go beyond methadone, address polysubstance abuse, and adapt to local correlates of the primary drug used.