Risk-Taking Behavior, Substance Abuse Disorders, and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Abstract

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has rapidly emerged as a public health crisis of unusual proportion. Despite the attention given to the association of AIDS and parenteral substance use, the relationship between AIDS and other aspects of substance use disorders such as risk taking, disinhibition and lack of self care has not been emphasized. In vitro and in vivo evidence of immune suppression as a result of substance abuse, coupled with behavioral disinhibition and co-existent psychiatric problems make the relationship between these two public health problems a likely area of concern. Substance abuse, increased risk taking and self destructiveness are co-factors involved in the transmission of AIDS which need to be studied epidemiologically. The authors address the relationship between the addictions and disinhibition, suicidal behavior, and the clinical and therapeutic needs of patients, their families and staff.

What's Wrong with this Picture? The Hegemonic Construction of Culture in AIDS Research in the United States

“…Because they decrease inhibitions and make unprotected sex more likely, drug and alcohol use during sexual activities also increases the risk of HIV infection (Flavin and Frances 1987). Factors such as the presence of STDs or alcohol use during sex do not neatly delineate populations into bounded risk groups.…”

A comparison of HIV‐related risk behaviour and risk reduction between female street working prostitutes and male rent boys in Glasgow

“…On the basis of these data, coupled with the fact that higher levels of HIV infection (MMWR 1987, Cohen 1989 and HIV related risk behaviour (Flavin and Francis 1987) have been identified among injecting-drug using prostitutes than amongst prostitutes not injecting drugs, one would have to conclude that there is evident potential for the transmission of HIV between Glasgow prostitutes and their clients. In the next section we focus upon the related topic of risk reduction.…”

Counselling Issues in the AIDS-Caring Environment

“…Focus of this anger has been identified as the disease itself, family, friends and medical staff (Faulstich, 1987;Lopez & Getzel, 1984;Morin et al, 1984;Whiteford & Csernansky, 1986), and this anger may be displaced in risk taking behaviour (Flavin & Francis, 1987;Nichols, 1985). Anxiety and dysphoria are also present during this transition (Holland & Tross, 1985;Moulton et al, 1987).…”