Alcohol use and high-risk behavior by intravenous drug users in an AIDS education paradigm

The relationship between alcohol consumption and high-risk behavior for HIV infection was examined among 313 in-treatment intravenous drug users (IVDUs) by random assignment of these subjects to one of three interventions: (1) structured interview regarding risk behavior; (2) interview plus one group AIDS education session; (3) interview, AIDS education plus optional HIV testing. Alcohol users (n = 148) had more needle sharing and sexual partners than did nondrinkers. Follow-up interviews revealed no significant behavioral changes as a function of intervention condition or alcohol use. Better interventions, including more vigorous treatment of alcohol use, are needed to reduce risk behaviors among IVDUs.