AIDS prevention and chemical dependence treatment needs of women and their children.

Female partners of male drug users may not recognize that they are endangered by sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, even when women acknowledge this problem, there are multiple subsequent impediments to behavior change. Chemically dependent women also have specific additional needs. Most chemical dependence outreach and treatment programs are not yet designed to address the issues of contraception, pregnancy, motherhood, child rearing, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Chemically dependent women may not only give birth to drug-affected infants but they may also perpetuate an intergenerational cycle of inadequate parenting. Most women at risk for HIV infection are in their childbearing years. Infection of either or both mother and infant further complicates an already complex problem. Multiple interdisciplinary resources are needed to integrate AIDS prevention and treatment with chemical dependence treatment for women and their children.