Description

The connection between AIDS and drug injection is well established. Through June 2000, injection drug users accounted for more than a third of all cases reported among persons aged 13 or older to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C virus (HCV), transmitted primarily through sharing drug preparation and injection equipment, is also a major public health concern. Sixty percent of HCV transmission is related to injection drug use and as many as 50-95% of injection drug users are infected with HCV. This study tests two strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV or HCV by reducing risk behaviors in patients undergoing drug detoxification. The first includes pre-test counseling, testing, post-test counseling, and the provision of HIV/HCV results. The second strategy, called therapeutic alliance, provides clients with information to guide them through the process of role induction and aims to facilitate transition to continuing care for drug treatment. Both will be compared to standard care in drug detoxification settings.