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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection
Published on: January 21, 2021
Nicotine dependence and HIV risk behaviors among illicit drug users
Scott L Hershberger1, Dennis G Fisher, Grace L Reynolds
1Department of Psychology, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA. scotth@csulb.edu
Abstract:
This study was concerned with examining the relation between nicotine dependence and HIV risk behaviors in a sample of 297 out-of-treatment drug users. A number of significant relationships were found between nicotine dependence and HIV risk behaviors. Crack-smoking injectors were found to have a higher degree of nicotine dependence when compared with exclusive injectors or exclusive crack smokers. Participants' impulsivity may be one possible reason why nicotine dependence is related to HIV risk behaviors. The results also suggest that drug abuse programs make available smoking cessation programs.
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