Medication adherence strategies for drug abusers with HIV/AIDS

This paper describes two clinical techniques aiming to improve adherence to medications for HIV/AIDS in methadone maintenance patients. The first technique, providing on-site dispensing of antiretroviral medications, enhanced medication adherence but did not produce enduring effects beyond the time of the intervention. To develop a more long-lasting intervention, the programme is experimenting with more individualized medication management, in which a staff member provides assessment and problem solving to help improve medication adherence. Clinical and practical issues are presented--including each technique's aims, screening and recruitment of participants, description of the technique, staff and administrative support issues, and research results. The paper aims to assist staff in drug treatment programmes to implement interventions that can increase adherence to medications for HIV/AIDS.