Drug treatment utilization among adults receiving HIV prevention services in Los Angeles County

Background: 23.1 million individuals meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder and are in need of treatment, yet only about 10% receive treatment. Risk behaviors for HIV among illicit drug users are endemic. Less than half of AOD treatment programs offer testing for HIV or STIs. Methods: Data were from 1189 respondents who reported using 1 or more illicit drugs in the past 30 days and were sampled in the Countywide Risk Assessment Survey (CRAS) conducted by 51 HIV prevention contractors in Los Angeles County CA. Results: A logistic regression model determined that those respondents who accessed drug treatment were more likely to: use a needle exchange, use mental health, HIV, and STD treatment services. They were also more likely to be involved with child welfare. Those who accessed AOD treatment had more concurrent sex partners and used a greater number of drugs, particularly heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine, than those who did not. They were also more likely to be HIV+. Conclusions: This analysis of data from a community-based sample of illicit drug users found further evidence of the critical importance of integrating AOD treatment and HIV services. Findings also indicate a need to screen for STIs among those accessing AOD treatment and to focus on safer sex practices regarding concurrent relationships. Mental health and child welfare agencies were found to be potential linkage points for HIV prevention services.