In 2005, 37 thousand cases of HIV/AIDS in adults, adolescents, and children were diagnosed in at least 33 states with long-term confidential name-based HIV reporting. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has estimated that approximately 40 thousands persons in the U.S. become infected with HIV each year.
Wide-spread use and abuse of drugs and other substances is a public health issue. There is a need for a broad approach in addressing substance use and risk for Infection with HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (inclusive of heterosexual adults and adolescents as well as same gender-loving persons).
HIV and STD prevention and treatment programs must be enhanced to include assessment for substance use and abuse with referrals and support through treatment, primary testing, and appropriate health promotion.
