SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS IN GAY BISEXUAL MEN WITH HIV AND AIDS/

The authors conducted a longitudinal study of psychological adaptation to AIDS in subjects with and without lifetime and current substance u se disorders (SUD), in a cohort of HIV+ gay/bisexual subjects. A sampl e of HIV+ gay/bisexual men (n = 183) and an HIV- comparison group (n = 84) were assessed for SUD, depression, and anxiety disorders. Among H IV+ men, confined lifetime (42%) but not current (11.5%) SUDs were mor e prevalent than in HIV- men (27% and 10%, respectively). HIV+ men wit h current SUD reported more depression, distress, and diminished quali ty of life than HIV+ men with no SUD, but HIV-illness severity, did no t differ HIV+ men in recovery did not differ from men with no lifetime history Most HIV+ gay/bisexual men with SUD discontinue or reduce sub stance use before or subsequent to knowledge of their HIV infection, p robably in an attempt to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However for some HIV+ men, persistent substance abuse/dependence is accompanied by hig her levels of distress and diminished quality, of life, underscoring t heir need for treatment intervention.