Changes in HIV-related risk behaviors following drug abuse treatment

Objectives: To measure changes in HIV-related injection drug and sexual ris k behaviors following drug treatment in a therapeutic community program. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 261 drug users, randoml y assigned to day or residential treatment. Participants were interviewed 2 weeks after entering treatment and 6, 12 and 18 months later (follow-up ra te: 83%). Results: Greater reductions in injection risk behaviors were associated wit h more time in treatment and the later waves of measurement. Wave was also associated with a reduction of sexual risk behavior. Conclusions: Drug abuse treatment was associated with a decrease in HIV-rel ated risk behavior. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.