Introduction

Since 1985, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has conducted research to determine the most effective ways to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission by drug users and their sexual partners. Findings from more than 30 studies reported that community-based outreach is an effective strategy for reaching drug-using populations and providing them with the means for behavior change. Of those drug users participating in community-based outreach interventions, a significant proportion:

• Entered drug treatment.
  
  
• Stopped or reduced their
  
  
  • frequency of injection;
    
    
  • reuse of needles and syringes;
    
    
  • reuse of cookers, cottons, and rinse water; and
    
    
  • use of crack cocaine.
    
    
• Increased condom use or had unprotected sex less frequently.
  
  
• Obtained HIV testing and pre- and post-test counseling.
  
  
• Averted HIV infection.