NCJ Number
165284
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1997) Pages: 83-88
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Rural drug addiction and related HIV behavior, including drug use and sexual behavior, have received limited attention in rural areas of the United States compared to urban areas.
Abstract
Even with the limited attention, data indicate that prevalence rates are similar for alcohol and tobacco in rural and urban areas. Further, perceptions of policymakers and others are that drug use and HIV are primarily urban problems and that more resources should be directed to urban areas than to rural areas. As the proportion of older rural residents continues to increase, expertise will be needed to provide services for older Americans. Survey data indicate that rural residents often do not seek treatment for drug addiction, that rural residents self-report a high level of heated arguments related to drug use, and that additional treatment interventions should target rural drug and alcohol users. Nonetheless, a major trend for the future is the continued expectation of limited resources for rural areas. 14 references