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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Dionne J. Jones, PhD, Division of Epidemiology, Services & Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5185, MSC 9589, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-402-1984, djones1@nida.nih.gov

In the U.S., substance abuse has a strong link to HIV/AIDS. Use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs often reduce inhibitions and encourage engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors that can ultimately result in HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US has disproportionately affected minorities, particularly African Americans. African Americans also experience more severe consequences for their drug abuse than other racial/ethnic groups. For example, African Americans have higher rates of all forms of criminal justice supervision, including probation, parole, detention and incarceration. Data from hospital-based emergency departments, publicly-funded drug treatment centers and law enforcement statistics reveal that the gender gap is closing in terms of illicit drug use for men and women. Similarly, current trends suggest that the gap in criminal involvement among men and women is also closing (Sterk, 2005). It is important to understand the dynamic interrelationship between illicit drug use and criminal activity. Such understanding will be useful to social and health services providers, public health officials, and policy-makers as they design services, programs and policies. We will present a variety of intervention strategies that have been used successfully with different population groups, including crack using women, sex workers, and incarcerated persons.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify three intervention strategies designed to reduce drug use, HIV and incarceration among African Americans;
• Describe gender differences in illicit drug use, HIV rates and incarceration;
• Describe individual and situational factors that are related to illicit drug use and criminal involvement.

Keywords: Interventions, Incarceration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No