HIV-Infected Intravenous Drug Users in Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Clinical Problems and Their Management

Infection with HIV is a significant & growing problem among intravenous drug users. Most HIV-infected drug users are opioid addicts & the most common long-term treatment for such addicts is methadone maintenance treatment. Such treatment can play a role in the reduction of HIV morbidity through diminishing drug use, promoting healthier life-styles & providing direct medical & psychiatric care. Case examples, including one of a patient with suicidal ideation, are presented as illustration.