Injection Drug Use

IDU Outreach | Syringe Access | Substance Abuse and HIV

What does Substance Use have to do with HIV?

The use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs has helped fuel the spread of HIV since the beginning of the epidemic. We most often think of injection drug use as the culprit, but the use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs are an equally significant though often silent partner.

A 1999 needs assessment report prepared for the Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council found that 60 percent of respondents believed that substance use/abuse played a role in their becoming HIV positive.

While HIV disease and substance abuse are distinct illness, each is affected by the other and each can contribute to the progression of the other. Both are chronic and life-threatening diseases amplified by stigma and shame, and they present a complex array of medial and mental health needs.

Contact Info

For more information about Substance Abuse and HIV,
please contact the MAP AIDSLine.

612-373-AIDS (metro)
800-248-AIDS (statewide)
612-373-2465 (metro TTY)
888-820-2437 (statewide TTY)
mapaidsline@mnaidsproject.org

Substance Abuse Resources & Publications

AIDSLine Brief: Substance Abuse and HIV Edition, September 2000
The entire issue of this AIDSLine Brief is devoted to the issue of substance abuse and HIV.

Linking HIV and Substance Abuse - Prevention Works For Women, April 2000
Injection drug use directly and indirectly has played a significant role in the transmission of HIV in women. The articles discusses substance abuse and women and features an interview with Sue Purchase, one of the founders of Women with A Point, now known as AccessWorks!.

Substance Use Raises Risk in African-American Communities, March 2000
For the African-American community in Minnesota, the connection between injection drug use, crack-cocaine use and HIV transmission is significant. This article discusses substance use in the African-American community and features Don Anderson, founder of WU-WA (Wake Up-We're Affected).

INTERNET RESOURCES

The Minnesota Recovery Page
The Minnesota Recovery Page is a directory of resources for recovery from chemical addiction in Minnesota including treatment, support meetings, and events.

The Body - HIV and Substance Use Resources
The Body is a comprehensive resource for information on HIV. Click here to go to The Body's substance use and HIV information page complete with links to national substance abuse resources.

National Institute on Drug Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institutes of Health, a component of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Health Educators Toolbox
The Seattle-King County Washington public health Web site contains a section which includes games, exercises and group discussions for teaching about HIV and STDs. Educators may find helpful information and tools for training and education.

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Last Updated: Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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Content Notice: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this Web site.