Drug abuse treatment experience and HIV risk behaviors among active drug injectors in Ohio.

This study compares the sociodemographic characteristics and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors of injection drug users who had received drug abuse treatment in the previous 5 years and those who had not received treatment. The National AIDS Demonstration Research Program database provided 2001 structured interviews, representing Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio. About 43% of the subjects reported having received treatment in the previous 5 years. Length of involvement with drugs, more frequent injection, more legal problems, and higher levels of HIV risk behaviors were associated with a history of treatment. Incorporating HIV risk reduction education in drug abuse treatment is an urgent priority.