Addressing alcohol use in HIV-infected persons

Alcohol use is common among persons with HIV infection and is associated with worse HIV treatment outcomes. Patients with hazardous levels of use are less likely to be receiving antiretroviral therapy, to be adherent to therapy, and to achieve virologic suppression. Screening, intervention, and referral to care for alcohol use disorder is an integral part of clinical care for individuals with HIV infection. Brief screening procedures can identify level of risk and determine whether patients require brief alcohol intervention or should be considered for behavioral therapy and pharmacologic treatment. Identification of concurrent mental health disorders is an important aspect of treating alcohol use disorders in HIV infection and other clinical settings. This article summarizes a presentation by Geetanjali Chander, MD, MPH, at the 14th Annual Clinical Conference for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program held in Tampa, Florida, in June 2011. The Clinical Conference is sponsored by the IAS-USA under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) contract number HHSH250200900010C.