Arizona: Drug Usage "Huge" With HIV Victims

In a recent Ryan White Planning Council-commissioned survey of nearly 600 Phoenix-area people with HIV/AIDS, more than 56 percent of respondents said treatment improved their health. However, many participants also reported using recreational drugs, including heroin, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, Ecstasy, and poppers (amyl nitrate).

"It's a huge problem," said Mitchell Cohen, executive director of Partnership for Community Health, which conducted the study to help direct federal funds to those who need care. Illicit drugs are harmful to patients' health, cause unsafe sex, and affect adherence to medications, he said. More than 50 percent of respondents had used poppers, 43 percent crystal meth, and 11 percent speedballs, a combination of heroin and cocaine.

Based on the survey, Cohen said there is a maturing HIV epidemic among gay white men, who require extensive medical monitoring and adherence to a difficult drug regimen. These men are more likely to be educated, system-savvy, strong self-advocates, and have access to insurance or Medicaid. They do not always need as much in terms of services, he said.

Meanwhile, more recently infected minorities, women,and the poor need more services and information about what is available, said Cohen. Of the few not receiving care, many were recently diagnosed, asymptomatic, homeless or mentally ill. Undocumented immigrants "are afraid that contact with the government could mean deportation," he said. "So they come in later and sicker."

Among other findings:

• The majority were disabled and not working.

• 88 percent qualified for federal benefits, earning less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Most needing outpatient medical care receive it, but there are gaps in dental care, case management, mental health services, transportation, and housing.

• The greatest barrier to care was red tape, said participants.

Back to other news for August 15, 2005