Substance Abuse in HIV Populations

Mental illness and substance abuse are separate and additive risk factors for HIV infection. A comprehensive approach in the treatment of those with the dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse is very important because these patients are inherently at a higher risk of contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Problems with adherence to medical treatment seem to be additive in this group. In addition, substance abuse is associated with a host of medical sequelae (liver disease, infection, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive changes), complicating treatment of the virus in a population already at risk for these problems and leading to increased disease progression.