COCAINE USE AND HIV RISK BEHAVIOR IN METHADONE-MAINTENANCE PATIENTS

This study examined sexual and drug use behavior in 247 methadone main tenance patients, to explore the association of cocaine use with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior. In univariate analyses, c ocaine use was positively associated with any drug injection, number o f injections, and sexual intercourse without condoms. These relationsh ips remained significant after controlling for other drug use and demo graphic factors. Heroin use also contributed to injection-related risk . We conclude that cocaine use represents a continued source of risk f or exposure to HIV in this population, and that more aggressive effort s are warranted to reduce illicit drug use, particularly of heroin and cocaine, in methadone patients.