Comparison of HIV‐Associated Risk Behaviors of Primary Intravenous Stimulant Users and Opioid‐Addicted Subjects on Methadone Maintenance

Intravenous drug users (IVDUs) in treatment participated in structured interviews on high‐risk drug use and sex practices. Follow‐up interviews at 18 months assessed behavior change. Primary stimulant users were compared with subjects on methadone who used stimulants and subjects on methadone who did not. At initial interview, stimulant users had more needle sharing and sex partners than did non‐stimulant users. On follow‐up, primary stimulant users had needle‐sharing rates equivalent to non‐stimulant users but were more likely to have multiple sex partners. Stimulant‐preferring IVDUs exhibit considerable risk behavior. Enhanced outpatient programs that address high‐risk behavior are needed for this group.