Substance use disorders in gay/bisexual men with HIV and AIDS.
| Publication Type | Academic Article |
| Authors | Ferrando S, Goggin K, Sewell M, Evans S, Fishman B, Rabkin J |
| Journal | Am J Addict |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 51-60 |
| Date Published | 01/01/1998 |
| ISSN | 1055-0496 |
| Keywords | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Bisexuality, HIV Seropositivity, Homosexuality, Male, Substance-Related Disorders |
| Abstract | The authors conducted a longitudinal study of psychological adaptation to AIDS in subjects with and without lifetime and current substance use disorders (SUD), in a cohort of HIV+ gay/bisexual subjects. A sample of HIV+ gay/bisexual men (n = 183) and an HIV- comparison group (n = 84) were assessed for SUD, depression, and anxiety disorders. Among HIV+ men, combined lifetime (42%) but not current (11.5%) SUDs were more prevalent than in HIV- men (27% and 10%, respectively). HIV+ men with current SUD reported more depression, distress and diminished quality of life than HIV+ men with no SUD, but HIV-illness severity did not differ. HIV+ men in recovery did not differ from men with no lifetime history. Most HIV+ gay/bisexual men with SUD discontinue or reduce substance use before or subsequent to knowledge of their HIV infection, probably in an attempt to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, for some HIV+ men, persistent substance abuse/dependence is accompanied by higher levels of distress and diminished quality of life, underscoring their need for treatment intervention. |
| PubMed ID | 9522007 |