High-Risk Behaviors for Transmission of HIV among Clients in Treatment for Substance Abuse

This study examined AIDS knowledge and HIV-related risk behaviors among injection drug users admitted for treatment at the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). Clients participating in the study showed a high level of knowledge concerning basic AIDS facts, and many had responded to the threat of AIDS by initiating changes in their needle-sharing behavior and to a lesser extent, in their sexual behavior. However, inconsistencies between risk recognition and risk reduction were observed; a substantial number of clients continued to engage in behaviors that increased their likelihood of infection. Findings suggest Canadian injection drug users are similar to their European and U.S. counterparts in terms of risky drug practices and sexual activities, illustrating the potential for the rapid spread of infection within this group.