Hiv/Aids And Addiction
Hiv/Aids And Addiction
One of the most significant treatment issues with regard to HIV individuals with substance use disorder is a delay in seeking medical care. The longest delays take place prior to testing, and hence getting clients to test is essential. Many individuals with substance abuse disorder delay treatment after receiving positive results. Grant (2006). According to studies most enter medical care after three months of receiving positive results. Others, however, exceed this period up to one year after receiving the results. There are various reasons as to why individuals with substance abuse may delay seeking treatment of HIV. Such include lack of social support, past difficulties in treatment system and difficulty in admitting that they may need treatment. Personal feelings of helplessness about addressing substance abuse issues may lead to a general sense of helplessness about taking care of HIV treatment. Frances (2005). The issue of delayed treatment of HIV in substance abuse individuals is extremely significant. This is due to the number of increasing persons affected with HIV who continue to abuse substances.
Treatment of HIV infected individuals who abuse drugs is essential. There ought to be substance abuse treatment programs that also conduct HIV risk assessments. Such a program should provide basic HIV/AIDS counseling and education to clients. In situations where programs cannot provide testing and related counseling, they should have referral relationships with other agencies. American Psychiatric Association. (2000).It is these agencies that should provide the services. In order to effectively address treatment, there should be collaboration among alcohol and drug counselors, and HIV/AIDS medical care providers. Special care ought to be given to HIV patients with substance abuse disorder. Primary care staff providing services to such patients should comprehend and be responsive to client’s needs. Batki, S. (1991).
Reference:
Frances, R. J., Miller, S. I., & Mack, A. H. (2005). Clinical textbook of addictive disorders (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford.
Grant JE, Brewer JA, Potenza MN. (2006) The neurobiology of substance and behavioral addictions.CNS Spectr.; 11(12):924–930.
American Psychiatric Association. (2000)Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.4. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
Batki, S. (1991) Preventing AIDS in Drug Abusers and Their Sexual Partners. New York.
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