Do drugs of abuse impact on HIV disease?

Drug abuse, certain lifestyles, access and adherence to drug abuse treatment, and medical consequences of drug abuse remain as important factors that impact on HIV disease among AIDS patients worldwide. Most in vitro and in vivo studies show a significant impact on HIV disease. Epidemiological studies in the past have failed to support these observations. However, new and limited evidence shows that drug abuse may accelerate HIV disease in humans. Research is needed to design new or refine known techniques that more closely mimic natural conditions of HIV disease, and perform additional assessments of basic laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological data to determine whether drug abuse significantly impacts on HIV disease.