NCJ Number
131795
Date Published
1991
Length
44 pages
Annotation
The 1989 European Symposium on AIDS and Drug Abuse reviewed the current level of AIDS and HIV infection among drug abusers in Europe, efforts to prevent HIV transmission among drug users, the management of HIV-positive individuals or those experiencing HIV-related diseases, and priorities for future action.
Abstract
The participants came from 18 European countries and the United States as well as from several international organizations. They found that AIDS among drug users is increasing. Most countries have established measures to prevent HIV transmission among drug abusers with emphasis on health education. The message conveyed is to cease using drugs or, if this is impossible, to avoid injection or, failing that, to use clean equipment and avoid sharing equipment. The efforts also focus on persuading drug abusers to seek treatment, training staff, making clean needles and syringes available, promoting safer sexual practices, and providing methadone programs. Future policy issues include the management of HIV-positive drug abusers, further research, and the allocation of resources. 12 references and appended reports from 7 countries