Mexican-American Intravenous Drug Users' Needle-sharing Practices: Implications for AIDS Prevention (From Primary Prevention of AIDS: Psychological Approaches, P 329-344, 1989, Vickie M Mays, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-123561)

• NCJ Number: 123568
• Author(s): A G Mata Jr; J S Jorquez
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of intravenous drug use and needle sharing among Mexican-Americans emphasizes potential measures to reduce these behaviors and reduce the risk of AIDS.

Abstract

Recent interviews with drug treatment staff, police officers, and drug users inside and outside treatment settings in five urban areas in Texas and Arizona found that intravenous drug use is widespread and takes place in a variety of drug-use "scenes" in the southwestern communities. Users rely on personal social support networks for learning to use drugs, obtaining drugs, and coping with the consequences of illicit drug use. Addicts are generally aware of AIDS, but most novice heroin users tend to deny or minimize the threat of AIDS. Findings suggest the need for prevention efforts that reflect an understanding that drug use and needle sharing are embedded and maintained by sets of ongoing personal relations. However, both less controlled and controlled intravenous drug users appear to be open to various strategies for intervention and treatment. Recommended actions include community-based prevention efforts, inclusion of risk-reduction information in drug treatment programs, outreach efforts to drug users who are not in treatment, and efforts to reach the sexual partners and families of intravenous drug users. Note and 40 references.